AGE: 46
FAMILY: Wife and two children
CAMPAIGN MAILING ADDRESS: Moran for Delegate, 4154 Duke St,
Alexandria, VA 22304
CAMPAIGN PHONE: 703-370-2890, Fax: 703-370-4011
E-MAIL: info@brianmoran.com
WEBSITE: www.BrianMoran.com
OCCUPATION: Attorney
EMPLOYMENT: Law Offices of Brian Moran
EDUCATION: University of Massachusetts, MA; Framingham State College, MA (B.A., 1982); Catholic University, Washington, DC (J.D., 1988); Suffolk University, MA (graduate program)
QUALIFICATIONS: Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney; Chairman, Budget & Fiscal Advisory Council; Chairman & Community Corrections Resources Board; VA House of Delegates since 1996; House Democratic Caucus Chairman since 2001; Member, Secure Virginia Panel; Member, Crime Commission; Chairman, Virginia Alcohol Safety Advisory Committee
1. What is your top public service accomplishment?
Last year, I played an integral role in passing budget reform, which has allowed us to make unprecedented investments in education, transportation and public health and safety. The budget reform package has produced tangible benefits to the residents of Alexandria and Skyline. Because of our fiscal prudence, we were able to eliminate the state’s portion of the food tax. Because of our investments in education, Virginia students are scoring higher on the SATs, taking more advanced placement courses, and passing their SOLs. And because of our commitment to children, 97 percent of children who were previously uninsured are now enrolled in the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
2. What sets you apart from the other candidate in the race?
My twenty years of public service and my nine years of experience in Richmond fighting for the people of Alexandria and Skyline is what sets me apart. I have worked with leaders across the commonwealth to provide leadership and strength in Richmond. I am committed to continuing the progress we made under Governor Mark Warner in improving transportation, education and public safety.
3. What is one thing you promise not to do if elected?
I promise not to take us backward and continue to lead us forward. Not too long ago, our commonwealth was in fiscal crisis due to Republican mismanagement. In my leadership role as Virginia House Democratic Caucus Chair, I helped build a bi-partisan coalition of legislators to pass budget reform. Now, our commonwealth has maintained its Triple-A bond rating, been named "Best Managed State" by Governing Magazine, all while investing in transportation, education and public safety, but there is still more to do. I promise to continue leading us forward on these efforts and not to take us backward.
4. What is the biggest issue facing your district? What should be done to address it?
Quality of life. People want to spend less of their time in traffic and more of it at home with their families. The hours being lost by individuals and businesses are innumerable. We must pursue alternatives like telecommuting and flex time to relieve congestion as we find solutions to the traffic mess. Our quality of life also depends on providing an accountable and quality education to our children. We enjoy a diverse community and must educate our youth for tomorrow’s jobs.
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 support Roe v. Wade and will oppose efforts to criminalize abortion in the first trimester.
6. In Virginia, local governments have limited control of revenue and taxing authority. Should they have more? Less? What changes would you propose?
When the state fails to meet its obligations the pressures result in high property taxes. Northern Virginia should receive more education funding from the state. Last year, I supported legislation to reduce the property tax burden on Virginians.
7. In Northern Virginia, property taxes have increased dramatically in recent years. What role should the state play in this?
Because of our antiquated tax system, local governments are overly dependent on real estate property taxes for revenues. This year, Fairfax County has proposed a budget that relies on real estate property taxes for 60.6 percent of its revenue. I support Tim Kaine’s plan to:
o Exempt 20 percent of a family’s home or farm from real-estate property tax.
o Exempt renovations and rehabilitations from taxes.
o Continue fully funding the state’s share of public schools.
o Veto any unfunded mandates on local governments.
o Empower and educate families about their tax bills.
The Kaine plan is a comprehensive and fiscally responsible approach that will give homeowners real tax relief.
8. What do you believe the role of the state should be in determining the status of same-sex couples in Virginia?
I believe lawmakers in Richmond should stop focusing solely on divisive social issues and instead focus our time, energy and taxpayer dollars on discussing the issues that effect our citizens' quality of life, including fixing our transportation crisis, improving public schools and keeping our streets safe.
9. What are your views about public-private partnerships and other mechanisms to privatize Virginia’s highway system? What are the caveats you would identify as we move forward with this process?
As a member of the Transportation Committee in the House of Delegates, we have looked at this issue thoroughly. The commonwealth should investigate any partnerships that would save taxpayers' money while improving our transportation system. However, we need to ensure that private companies are held accountable and that the state is not ultimately left with an unexpected bill to pay.
10. Do you believe that illegal immigration is a problem in Virginia? If so, why, and what should be done?
Yes it is. I believe the Republican-led U.S. Congress and Bush Administration have failed to adequately secure our borders and in doing so placed an unfunded financial burden on state and local governments. We need to ask that the federal government take responsibility and immediately address this issue.