Chris Oprison (R)
AGE: 34
FAMILY: Wife, Jennifer; three children, Charlie and J.P. (5 1/2) and Emma Grace (3)
CAMPAIGN MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 2576, Leesburg, VA 20177
CAMPAIGN PHONE: 540-882-4913
E-MAIL: info@chrisoprison.com
WEBSITE: www.chrisoprison.com
OCCUPATION: Attorney
EMPLOYMENT: Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom, LLP
EDUCATION: BA, University of California at Los Angeles; JD, George Washington University
QUALIFICATIONS: U.S. Marine Corps Captain; active in civic and conservative causes; raising a family in Loudon County.
1. What is your top public service accomplishment?
Military service
2. What sets you apart from the other candidates in the race?
I am the only candidate in this race that is a solid conservative and who has signed a pledge not to raise taxes. Also, I am the only candidate in this race with a three part plan to reduce property taxes.
3. What is one thing you promise not to do if elected?
I will not say one week that I will oppose a tax increase and then turn around the next week and champion a $1.5 Billion tax increase.
4. What is the biggest issue facing your district? What should be done to address it?
There are many issues facing the hardworking families within my district. One of the most pressing issues I hear when I walk door-to-door is the concern over skyrocketing property taxes. That's why I have a three-part plan which will guarantee that we reduce property tax bills in our district.
5. Is there any additional legislation in regard to abortion that you would support? Would you make any changes to the current laws and regulation about abortion in Virginia?
I will fight to protect the rights of unborn children as they are unable to protect themselves. I will support what is compassionate by working to enact a fetal pain bill that will require anesthesia be administered to any fetuses about to be aborted. I will also work to enact legislation that requires abortion clinics to adhere to the health and safety standards of any other medical facility.
6. In Virginia, local governments have limited control of revenue and taxing authority. Should they have more? Less?
Less authority to raise taxes.
7. What do you think about the Dillon Rule, which maintains that localities have only those powers expressly given by the state government?
I agree with Dillon's Rule to the extent that it provides a check on localities that engage in unchecked tax hiking.
8. What do you believe the role of the state should be in determining the status of same-sex couples in Virginia?
The state has an obligation to determine the status of same sex couples. I oppose gay marriage and I support traditional marriage between a man and a woman.