The Connection

Candidate for Delegate in the 44th District, unopposed.

Town of residence: Alexandria

Age: 54

Family: Paul, wife Tracey Navratil and daughter Khloe Krizek, live in Paul's childhood home on Whiteoaks Drive in the Hollin Hills neighborhood of Mount Vernon

Education: B.A., UVA (’84); J.D., Catholic University (’87)

Occupation and relevant experience: non-profit executive

Community involvement: Teaches Sunday school to teenagers at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, board member of Mount Vernon at Home, an organization to support the lifetime independence of Mount Vernon seniors allowing them to age in place in their homes; member, Mount Vernon Lee Chamber of Commerce.

Website: paulkrizek.com

Email address: paul@paulkrizek.com

Twitter handle: @KrizekForVA

Name three favorite endorsements: Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia, Northern Virginia Assoc. of Realtors, AFL-CIO

Questions

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

I want to go to Richmond to help those struggling in our community just as I have done as a charity executive and before that, as a legislative staffer for Congressman Jim Moran, where I worked for eight years on legislation and constituent service for the people of the 8th Congressional District. I find helping people immensely gratifying and rewarding. I will always support legislation that reflects my values: making available safe affordable housing, healthcare, education and a living wage; building a sustainable community in the 44th; and protecting and enhancing the natural environment by shifting to renewable energy.

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

Paul Krizek does not have an opponent.

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

I worked on the Hill for many years and participated in numerous bipartisan efforts to draft and pass legislation. Also, as a Housing Commissioner I was able to work with all of the Commissioners to work beyond partisanship on matters beneficial to Fairfax County. Fundamentally, I believe kindness and respect are at the heart of all important relationships.

In order, list your top 5 specific legislative priorities.

1. Transportation improvements along the Rt. 1 corridor
2. Raise the minimum wage to at least $10.10
3. Affordable Housing
4. Expand Medicaid
5. Investing in alternative energy

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

Ten years ago, the county tore down abandoned, unsafe and eyesore properties. Since that time we are seeing some upgrading of the Rt. 1 corridor with new historical signage, plantings, retail façade improvements, as well as new development areas like Beacon Hill Mall and Hyla Valley. The Community has consistently stepped up to the challenges we faced, from keeping Mount Vernon hospital open, to pushing for the new Jeff Todd Way connector road from Route 1 to Telegraph Road.

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

Absolutely. I support capping the interest rate for predatory lending and giving localities the ability to regulate the number of predatory lenders in a locality, similar to their powers for pawn shops.

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. We have over 5,000 Virginia children in Foster Care. I absolutely support receiving Federal funding for Fostering Connections.

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

Medicaid expansion is one of my top priorities. I am willing to work hand-in-hand with the Governor, the Democratic leadership and the members of the Republican caucus that favor Medicaid expansion to accomplish this for 400,000 hard-working Virginians.