The Connection

Independent Challenger for Delegate in District 43

Town of residence: Franconia

Age: 66

Family: Married, 3 sons, 2 daughters-in-law, 2 nieces, 1 grand nephew & niece, & 1 grandson - all Virginians!

Education: Bachelor of Electrical Engineering; Villanova University

Master of Science in (Business) Administration; George Washington University

Master of Science - National Resource Strategy; National Defense University

Offices held, dates: National Board of Directors, Society of Logistics Engineers (SOLE); National Board of Governors, American Guild of Musical Artists

Current Union member.

Occupation and relevant experience: Electronics Engineer, Naval Air Systems Command, A-6, P-3, S-3 and E-2 aircraft. Acquisition Project Officer, Headquarters, Marine Corps, ground-based Tactical Command & Control Systems. Management Professor; Department Chairman; Associate Dean; and Director of Corporate Planning – Defense Acquisition University, Fort Belvoir.

Professional Opera Singer - Virginia Opera, Washington National Opera, Opera Theatre of Northern Virginia & others. Performed in Carnegie Hall, New York. Sung with Delaware Symphony Orchestra, Annapolis Symphony Orchestra & others. Appeared as Scrooge in A Christmas Carol at McLean’s Alden Theatre.

Community involvement: SOLE Logistics Education Award; Navy Meritorious Civilian Service Medal; Army Commander’s Award for Distinguished Civilian Service; Defense Superior Civilian Service Medal & Hall of Fame, Defense Acquisition University. Washington National Wagner Society Meistersinger Award for excellence in performance, dedication & community spirit.

Website: http://www.paul4delegate.com

Email address: paulmcilvaine@paul4delegate.com

Name three favorite endorsements: Independent Green Party

Questions

What is one issue that defines your call to serve, why does it matter, and how will you tackle it?

Legislative Ethics. Virginia is the 47th worst state for ethics - received a failing grade. Despite Governor McAuliffe calling for the strictest ethical standards, the General Assembly still loves their perks and has done virtually nothing. By replacing an entrenched career incumbent politician with me, no legislator can expect re-election by ignoring this issue.

What distinguishes you from your opponent(s) and why should voters choose you?

I’m proposing term limits & not accepting campaign contributions. I’ll do what works for the citizenry without a myopic focus on re-election or subservience to lobbyists/donors.

Given the political makeup of the state legislature, what examples from your own experience suggests you can successfully bridge the intense partisan differences there?

Independent Candidates don’t have partisan agendas. I don’t lean to the left or right - I lean forward. As an Engineer, my political ideology is to do WHAT WORKS! I trust in God – all others bring facts, figures & data.

In order, list your top 5 specific legislative priorities.

1. My 7 point comprehensive Ethics program: a. Outright gift ban; b. Limiting Virginia campaign spending to the job's salary; c. Term Limits; d. Halt Million Dollar Inauguration Ball "Contributions;” e. Oath of Office Disclosure; f. Independent Statewide Ethics Enforcement Commission ; g. Replace Political Gerrymandering with Citizen Redistricting.
2. Increasing Virginia’s Economic Growth rate from its current pathetic 0.0%
3. Improving Virginia Citizen’s Healthcare
4. Ending Virginia’s Senior Tax Discrimination
5. Strengthening Election accuracy

How has your district changed in the last 10 years? What caused those changes?

It’s gotten more crowded and congested due to incumbent politicians at all levels ineffectively dealing with transportation & growth.

Will you support legislation restricting high interest lending including car title loans?

I will support common-sense legislation fostering transparency & sensible restrictions without putting an industry and its jobs out of business. Other states have successfully addressed this issue – we need to tailor their best ideas to Virginia.

Will you support funding for Fostering Connections which would result in an influx of federal funding for foster children aging out of foster care?

Yes

Do you support expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, and if so, what would you do to make that happen?

I’m committed to improving healthcare for Virginia citizens. Providing the wrong insurance for people in an arbitrary coverage gap “donut hole” created by 2,700 pages of federal legislative “gobbledygook” won’t work. Only 47% of doctors currently accept Medicaid and each has to limit their low reimbursement patient numbers. Patients without insurance now visit the emergency room for their care – patients under a Medicaid expansion will also visit the emergency room because they can’t get a timely doctor’s appointment. However, Medicaid expansion will improve for-profit-hospital financial “bottom lines”, which is why hospital campaign contributions are pouring into compliant candidates. We were told lies to originally pass Obamacare: fool me once, shame on you; but fool me twice, shame on me. I will thoroughly explore alternatives other than Medicaid expansion (including Obamacare amendments) to devise a solution that works for all Virginia citizens.