WYDaily sent an identical questionnaire to each candidate running for the 93rd House of Delegates district.
Del. Mike Mullin, a 35-year-old assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney, is the incumbent Democratic candidate for the seat. The district is comprised of the City of Williamsburg, parts of James City and York counties, and parts of the City of Newport News.
Mullin’s answers are unedited and presented below.
The election takes place Nov. 7.
Read a completed questionnaire from the other candidate for the 93rd House of Delegates District, Heather Cordasco.
What’s the one sentence that properly describes the 93rd House of Delegates District?
The 93rd House of Delegates District is rich in both history and vibrancy; encompassing the City of Williamsburg, parts of James City County, York County, and Newport News.
What are the two biggest opportunities in the 93rd House of Delegates District?
Here in the 93rd district, tourism and the military are our two biggest strongholds opportunity-wise. We have the first settlement right on the James River at Jamestown, keeping a steady flow history lovers and shroves of students to our area. Being able to go right down the street to Colonial Williamsburg and then down route 60 to Busch Gardens makes our community a family destination. We are fortunate enough to have parts of Ft. Eustis and the Yorktown Naval Weapons Station within the district lines as well, which are both important military installations to Virginia and the country. Going further east on 64, you reach Newport News Shipbuilding and the Naval Base at Norfolk, to which many of the people in our community commute to for work. These industries are integral to our community and sustained investment in them is vital.
What are the two biggest challenges in the 93rd House of Delegates District?
Transportation and job creation are issues that we’re seeing all across the state, but especially here in the 93rd district. For transportation, we need to continue to support the expansion of I-64 all the way to Richmond so that residents of this district are spending less time in traffic and more time at home with their families. In terms of job creation, we need to continue to invest in small businesses and new industries like cybersecurity so that our region not only creates jobs for the people living here, but attracts more people to the area because of the opportunities.
In 2010 James City County’s population had roughly 13,800 people aged 65+. In 2016 that number increased to more than 18,000 people aged 65+. How are you going to help the county and Greater Williamsburg to prepare for a rapidly aging population?
We need to make sure that we are allowing people to age in their home and providing transportation and financial incentives that allow senior citizens to do that comfortably. What are you going to do to help bring younger folks here? We need to provide better opportunities for mass transit as younger people do not want to spend all of their time in the car each day. We also need to work to fix the transportation infrastructure that would allow us to attract new businesses and jobs to the Greater Hampton Roads and Historical Triangle area that would make sure that young people work and live in this area
Williamsburg’s poverty rate is estimated to be about 1 in 4 residents, according to estimates from the U.S. census. More than 12,000 people in Greater Williamsburg are living in poverty. How are you going to help bring better paying jobs to the city and to the area?
We need to be able to diversify our economy, invest in small business-tax abatement (I voted for this bill in 2017), investing in our transportation infrastructure that will assist our small businesses that are the engine of our economy.
How do you intend to move transportation projects forward on the Peninsula? What do you think your role will be in improving transportation throughout Greater Williamsburg?
We need to continue to support the expansion of I-64, and expand the Hampton Roads and Richmond Transit systems that will make sure that we are then able to expand 64 all the way to Richmond. I look forward to be a vital partner in this project as a member of the House of Delegates, and will continue to speak out on this issue until the expansion is done.
What sort of experience are you going to bring to the area?
I bring the experience of being a prosecutor and dealing with criminal justice issues that affect our society each and everyday. I took my experiences from the courtroom to Richmond and fought for things I deal with everyday in the courtroom. Two of my main priorities in the courtroom and as a member of the House of Delegates are protecting domestic violence victims and making sure our children are safe.
The military and federal government are preparing for sea-level rise and increasingly volatile weather. Should the state government do more to prepare such as increasing environmental regulations?
We need to do everything in our power to make sure that cities and localities are able to deal with the growing threat of sea-level rise, and the effects of climate change. This is a problem we can no longer ignore. We must be proactive in our approach in dealing with these issues.
Should recipients of social welfare or tax relief be tested for drugs? Why or why not?
No. I believe this is a form of discrimination, and I in no way would support any form of discrimination against any class or group. It is wrong.
Should the state increasing taxes on its wealthiest residents to pay for more social programs? Why or why not?
No. We must be focused on finding ways to make sure that every middle-class Virginian is able to succeed, and that every Virginian and citizen of the 93rd district is able to pay less in taxes.
Should property rights ever trump an individual’s gun rights? Why or why not?
I believe the right of property is important to every citizen of the 93rd District. As a member of the House of Delegates, I will make sure that every citizen’s right to property is protected in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Should there be more restrictions on the current process of purchasing a gun? Why or why not?
I believe there should be universal background checks conducted on all persons looking to purchase a gun. From a law enforcement perspective as a criminal prosecutor, my top priority is keeping people safe and universal background checks would be a way to do that.
Should there be more restrictions on the current process of procuring a concealed carry permit for handguns?
I believe that we must put in measures to make sure that firearms are not getting in the hands of violent criminals. In Richmond, I will continue to advocate for common-sense guns reforms that will make sure that we are upholding 2nd amendment rights of the citizens of the 93rd District, but at the same time making sure each citizen is protected from gun violence.
Do you support the legalization of marijuana?
Senator Norment called for a study to address the effects of possible marijuana legalization, and I plan to use the results of this study to better inform my opinion.
Should a voter be required to have a valid photo ID to vote?
No, restricting access to the polls on Election Day is a form of voter suppression.
Should convicted criminals have the right to vote?
Yes. Once someone has served their sentence there should be no further barriers to their rights as citizens, including the right to vote. I support the restoration of voting rights.
Should gerrymandering or political redistricting be made into a non-partisan process?
Yes, otherwise legislators are picking their voters instead of the other way around.
What are your top three policy goals?
Protecting victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, expanding Medicaid so that 400,000 more Virginians — 2,300 living in the 93rd district — have access to affordable healthcare, and bringing new and diverse jobs to the area.
Are you a member of any political organizations? Which political organizations are you a member of and what have they taught you?
I’m not a member of any political organizations.
What recent policy changes in the current federal administration do you agree or disagree with? Why?
As a citizen, I aim to stay informed and engaged on federal issues and encourage everyone else to do so. As a Delegate, I focus on issues that reach us in Richmond because that’s where my vote has a voice. However, the recent proposed changes to our healthcare system at the national level are quite frightening and I couldn’t disagree more with the Graham-Cassidy Bill that was debated recently. We are working hard here in Virginia to expand Medicaid so that 400,000 more Virginians can receive coverage and if federal bills to gut the current system without an adequate replacement pass, I am worried about what we will be able to fix here at the state level.
Will you be participating in any forums or public debates? When and where?
I agreed to participate in the debate hosted by the League of Women Voters.
What’s a question you wish we had asked?
What’s the answer?
