2007 General Assembly Election Interview Questionnaire
HearSay with Cathy Lewis ~ WHRV 89.5FM
 
94th District
G. Glen Oder (R) 
Official Web Site: http://www.vagopnetwork.com/sites/GlennOder

1. Why do you want to be a member of the Virginia General Assembly?
   
   I have three reasons that I want to continue in my service in the General Assembly. 
   First, I sincerely like to help people.  When constituents call they are often frustrated with their circumstances and my position as their Delegate allows me the opportunity to assist them in finding a solution.
   Second, I have come to learn that my seniority in the General Assembly is becoming an asset to my community.  This new level of responsibility allows even more opportunities for me to work hard for my constituents as well as have a louder voice on policy decisions.
   And third, I want to continue my fight to rid Virginia of Payday lenders, fix or abolish the abusive driver laws so they apply to out of state drivers,  and repeal or modify the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority.

1. What is the most pressing issue facing Virginians today? Facing the region?
   
   In the face of a looming budget shortfall, Virginian’s must be concerned about adequately funding the core services of government.  The core services of government are public safety, education, health care, and transportation. I will work in the General Assembly to make government tighten it’s belt and streamline government services without a tax increase.  Departments such as the Virginia Marine Resources Commission and the Department of Game and Inland fisheries should be evaluated for consolidation.  Secretariats such as Technology should be incorporated into Commerce and Trade. Highway rest areas, ABC stores, and new roads should be evaluated by the private sector to determine the value of long term leasing opportunities. And finally, transportation funding should be addressed thru statewide revenue sources with the money directed to severely congested areas such as Hampton Roads.
   
   Regarding the most important issue facing the region, clearly every morning of every day commuters in Hampton Roads are affected by traffic congestion.  This problem is the most extreme at our bridges and tunnels. Traffic congestion hurts our quality of life, inhibits our economy, and clouds our future.  In addition to the six highway projects in the comprehensive transportation plan designed for Hampton Roads, the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel must be improved if we are going to truly address the most important issue facing our region.
   
   
2. The recently enacted Abusive Driver Fees have generated intense criticism from citizens and lawmakers alike. Where do you stand on the laws and, if you oppose them, how would you replace the transportation funds they were designed to generate?
   The abusive driver laws must be fixed so they apply to out of state drivers and repeat offenders.  This bill must be fixed so that single ticket drivers are not subject to the Abusive Driver fees.  This bill is now being interpreted by the courts vastly different than it was presented in the General Assembly.  Abusive drivers are drivers that habitually break the law and the bill must be fixed to target drivers who ignore traffic laws on multiple occasions or it must be repealed. 
   
   The money generated from the Abusive Driver bill is directed to statewide transportation projects in Virginia.  If the bill is repealed, the lost revenue could be recovered by a statewide increase of 1 ½ cents to the gasoline tax. 
   
   
3. What is your view on The Hampton Roads Transportation Authority formed earlier this year? 
   
   The HRBT was part of a comprehensive transportation plan for the State of Virginia known as HB 3202.  This bill had five major components to it.  They are as follows:
   1. 3 billion dollars in statewide transportation funding over ten years with no tax increase.
   2. Additional accountability and oversight of VDOT.
   3. Land use reform requirements to reduce sprawl and encourage infill housing in local government’s comprehensive plans.
   4. Impact fees on developers for new houses.
   5. and, the local option to vote on and approve the Hampton Roads Transportation Authority.
   
   If the Hampton roads Transportation Authority had been a stand alone bill it would not have passed the General Assembly.  The local option portion of the bill meant that each local government would have to vote on the adoption of the Authority.  As evidenced by the overwhelming negative comments by both the citizens and the elected officials regarding this Authority, it is obvious to me that this Authority should be repealed or significantly modified. 
   
   At this time the Authority has postponed the enforcement of the proposed taxes and fees and has recommended a new set of taxes to be considered by the General Assembly.  My position on the HRTA is that each City Council and Board of Supervisors should now hold a public hearing for the citizens to express their opinion on these proposed taxes and fees and then publicly vote to support or  reject the recommendation of the HRTA in their legislative package.