wiggy
November 5th, 2005, 10:12 PM
VIRGINIANS, DONT FORGET TO VOTE ON TUES. NOV 8!
What do your Virginia Electoral Candidates think about Mountain Biking in VA?
By Anne Mader
A couple of weeks ago MORE send out a letter introducing itself to Fairfax County and Prince William County candidates for the upcoming Virginia Elections. We also sent a questionnaire that asked the candidates what their hobbies are, do they mountain bike, do they think there are enough mountain bike trails in VA, what are their thoughts about multiuse trails, and so on. This is an opportunity to learn a little more about the people who would like to represent you in an elected office.
Out of forty-two letters sent, 9 sent responses or completed questionnaires back. The responses are below. As you know, being a nonprofit MORE cannot endorse a candidate. So, it is up to you to make your own decision on voting day. If you are unaware of who the candidates are I have included a couple of websites that list the candidates and their websites so you may learn more about them. However, the most important thing to do is VOTE on Tuesday, November 8. Mountain bikers need the support of local elected officials in order to gain funding and more trails. Your vote does make a difference!
Here are the responses from the questionnaires that were completed:
H. Russ Potts
Governor Candidate- Independent:
Interests and hobbies include: Reading and walking
He enjoys doing outdoor volunteer work
He does not enjoy riding a bike
He supports various green space initiatives- with additional funding for conservation/recreation
He believes that trails systems should be built to support various user groups
He does not feel there is enough grant money set aside to increase trail access in NoVa
He does feel there should be a mountain biker on the DCR Recreational Trail Committee
Not sure is he would go for a ride with MORE constituents as he responded he has forgotten how to ride a bike.
Bruce Roemmelt
House of Delegate, District 13, Democrat:
Interests and hobbies include: Golf and Astronomy
He enjoys doing outdoor volunteer work
He does not have a bike
He does not know whether there is enough mountain biking access in NoVa.
He believes that trails systems should be built to support various user groups
He does not know if there is enough grant money set aside to increase trail access in NoVa
He does feel there should be a mountain biker on the DCR Recreational Trail Committee
He would be interested in going for a mountain bike ride with MORE constituents.
David Englin
House of Delegates, District 45, Democrat:
Interests and hobbies include: Soccer and baseball with his 6 year old son
He enjoys doing outdoor volunteer work
He enjoys riding his bike on the Mt Vernon trail
He does not know whether there is enough mountain biking access in NoVa.
He is not sure whether trail systems should be built to support various user groups
He does not know if there is enough grant money set aside to increase trail access in NoVa
He does feel there should be a mountain biker on the DCR Recreational Trail Committee
He would be interested in going for a mountain bike ride with MORE constituents.
He also wrote I enjoy casual bike riding but dont know much about the mountain biking scene. Id certainly be interested in learning more.
Vivian Watts
House of Delegates, District 039, Democrat:
Hobbies and interests include: Downhill skiing in Utah and a some extreme backpacking
She enjoys doing outdoor volunteer work
She does not own a bike
She welcomes MOREs input on whether there is enough mountain biking access in NoVa
She believes that trails systems should be built to support various user groups
She welcomes MOREs input on whether there is enough grant money set aside to increase trail access in NoVa
She does feel there should be a mountain biker on the DCR Recreational Trail Committee
She believes that it would be more valuable for her to hike with MORE constituents along a multiuse trail than to mountain bike.
Del. Harry Parrish
House of Delegates, District 50, Republican:
Hobbies and interests include: Golf
He enjoys doing outdoor volunteer work
He does not enjoy riding a bike
He is uncertain on whether there is enough mountain biking access in NoVa
He definitely believes that trails systems should be built to support various user groups
He does not think there is enough grant money set aside to increase trail access in NoVa
He does feel there should be a mountain biker on the DCR Recreational Trail Committee
Response to riding with MORE constituents: I am really too old to be taking up biking at this time in my life. (I am 83.) Biking is a good sport and recreational activity for anyone who cares to do so. I am just not in shape now!
Chuck Eby
Libertarian Candidate
Virginia's House of Delegates, District 67
Hobbies and interests include: enjoy biking, hiking, and backpacking. Most of my biking is on the W&OD Trail. Most of my hiking is in Shenandoah N.P. and Manassas Battlefield Park. Most of my backpacking is in Shenandoah N.P.
He enjoys doing outdoor volunteer work. I participate regularly in the Adopt-a-Highway and Adopt-a-Stream programs.
He is uncertain on whether there is enough mountain biking access in NoVa
I enjoy existing trail systems and would like to see more of them. I have been a member of the Rails to Trails Conservancy for many years and support (with my own donations) that organization's goals of turning abandoned rail lines into trails
I would like to see more private grant money from corporations set aside to build and increase trail access in Northern Virginia.
He responded he does know if there should be a mountain biker on the DCR Recreational Trail Committee
He maybe interested in riding with MORE constituents. I'm not sure my bike is suitable for mountain bike trails.
Dave Marsden
House of Delegates, District 041, Democrat:
Hobbies and Interests: I am an avid bicyclist. I occasionally bike from my home in Burke to my office in Bethesda, Maryland using the W&OD, towpath and Capital Crescent. Other then that I am an avid reader. When younger I was a white water canoeist and have done a number of rivers in West Va., Va., Pa., NC and Tennessee.
He enjoys doing outdoor volunteer work
He enjoys riding to Mount Vernon and Purcelville
He is uncertain on whether there is enough mountain biking access in NoVa
Should trails be built for various users: Paved trails should be shared by everyone. Dont know a great deal about equestrian use but horse manure would appear to be a problem for bike trails.
He responded he does not know if there is enough grant money set aside to increase trail access in NoVa
He does not know if there should be a mountain biker on the DCR Recreational Trail Committee but thinks it would make sense to have one.
Yes he would be willing to go mountain biking with MORE constituents, but I only have a hybrid and a road bike, and with the campaign I am out of biking shape, so take it easy on me. Sounds like fun though!
Chris Gregerson
House of Delegates, District 45, Republican:
Ms. Mader,
Let me just write you a note instead of filling out your questionnaire. There are many needs for recreation in our commonwealth, I personally like to downhill ski. My priorities are for education of our lowest 20% of students and for increasing the wealth of our commonwealth. In Northern Virginia traffic congestion is threatening how and where we live. Those issues must be the priorities of our commonwealth. As we increase the wealth of the commonwealth we'll find a place for all recreation from boating, to mountain biking, to cross-country skiing.
Thanks for the great work you've done for your sport.
Chris Gregerson
John Mason
House of Delegates, District 037- Republican
Dear Ms. Mader,
Rather than respond directly to your questionnaire, Id like to take this means to provide some general observations and indication of support for MORE objectives. Having been on several civic committees and both councilmember and mayor of Fairfax, my comments come from this experience.
About 20 years ago, I chaired the City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. During my tenure, I pushed strongly for an enhanced trail system. Our trails study concluded that- in a small, largely built-out jurisdiction such as Fairfax- the best trail solution was one that was multipurpose, providing opportunities for walkers, joggers, and bike riders. A reality was that serious bike riders were in the range of one percent of our trail users; therefore, to develop political support needed for city funding it was important to emphasize the multi-use aspects. During my sixteen years as a council member and mayor, I continue to urge that the city of Fairfax serve as a nodal point for Northern Virginia trail system.
While I enjoy recreational and somewhat leisurely biking in the context of our city trail system, I do not have any experience with off-trail or dedicated mountain biking. Conceptually, I like the idea and would be supportive of the idea. I am uncertain whether trails should be built for dedicated groups simply because me experience tells me that unity of effort is more likely to gain positive results than competing constituencies each wanting a piece of the pie. Having said that, I recognize that there are design and safety considerations that must be taken into account.
Want to know more about voting in Virginia? This link will give you information on who the candidates are (click on which candidates are on the ballot), where to vote, other important voting information.
http://www.sbe.virginia.gov/cms/Index.html
What do your Virginia Electoral Candidates think about Mountain Biking in VA?
By Anne Mader
A couple of weeks ago MORE send out a letter introducing itself to Fairfax County and Prince William County candidates for the upcoming Virginia Elections. We also sent a questionnaire that asked the candidates what their hobbies are, do they mountain bike, do they think there are enough mountain bike trails in VA, what are their thoughts about multiuse trails, and so on. This is an opportunity to learn a little more about the people who would like to represent you in an elected office.
Out of forty-two letters sent, 9 sent responses or completed questionnaires back. The responses are below. As you know, being a nonprofit MORE cannot endorse a candidate. So, it is up to you to make your own decision on voting day. If you are unaware of who the candidates are I have included a couple of websites that list the candidates and their websites so you may learn more about them. However, the most important thing to do is VOTE on Tuesday, November 8. Mountain bikers need the support of local elected officials in order to gain funding and more trails. Your vote does make a difference!
Here are the responses from the questionnaires that were completed:
H. Russ Potts
Governor Candidate- Independent:
Interests and hobbies include: Reading and walking
He enjoys doing outdoor volunteer work
He does not enjoy riding a bike
He supports various green space initiatives- with additional funding for conservation/recreation
He believes that trails systems should be built to support various user groups
He does not feel there is enough grant money set aside to increase trail access in NoVa
He does feel there should be a mountain biker on the DCR Recreational Trail Committee
Not sure is he would go for a ride with MORE constituents as he responded he has forgotten how to ride a bike.
Bruce Roemmelt
House of Delegate, District 13, Democrat:
Interests and hobbies include: Golf and Astronomy
He enjoys doing outdoor volunteer work
He does not have a bike
He does not know whether there is enough mountain biking access in NoVa.
He believes that trails systems should be built to support various user groups
He does not know if there is enough grant money set aside to increase trail access in NoVa
He does feel there should be a mountain biker on the DCR Recreational Trail Committee
He would be interested in going for a mountain bike ride with MORE constituents.
David Englin
House of Delegates, District 45, Democrat:
Interests and hobbies include: Soccer and baseball with his 6 year old son
He enjoys doing outdoor volunteer work
He enjoys riding his bike on the Mt Vernon trail
He does not know whether there is enough mountain biking access in NoVa.
He is not sure whether trail systems should be built to support various user groups
He does not know if there is enough grant money set aside to increase trail access in NoVa
He does feel there should be a mountain biker on the DCR Recreational Trail Committee
He would be interested in going for a mountain bike ride with MORE constituents.
He also wrote I enjoy casual bike riding but dont know much about the mountain biking scene. Id certainly be interested in learning more.
Vivian Watts
House of Delegates, District 039, Democrat:
Hobbies and interests include: Downhill skiing in Utah and a some extreme backpacking
She enjoys doing outdoor volunteer work
She does not own a bike
She welcomes MOREs input on whether there is enough mountain biking access in NoVa
She believes that trails systems should be built to support various user groups
She welcomes MOREs input on whether there is enough grant money set aside to increase trail access in NoVa
She does feel there should be a mountain biker on the DCR Recreational Trail Committee
She believes that it would be more valuable for her to hike with MORE constituents along a multiuse trail than to mountain bike.
Del. Harry Parrish
House of Delegates, District 50, Republican:
Hobbies and interests include: Golf
He enjoys doing outdoor volunteer work
He does not enjoy riding a bike
He is uncertain on whether there is enough mountain biking access in NoVa
He definitely believes that trails systems should be built to support various user groups
He does not think there is enough grant money set aside to increase trail access in NoVa
He does feel there should be a mountain biker on the DCR Recreational Trail Committee
Response to riding with MORE constituents: I am really too old to be taking up biking at this time in my life. (I am 83.) Biking is a good sport and recreational activity for anyone who cares to do so. I am just not in shape now!
Chuck Eby
Libertarian Candidate
Virginia's House of Delegates, District 67
Hobbies and interests include: enjoy biking, hiking, and backpacking. Most of my biking is on the W&OD Trail. Most of my hiking is in Shenandoah N.P. and Manassas Battlefield Park. Most of my backpacking is in Shenandoah N.P.
He enjoys doing outdoor volunteer work. I participate regularly in the Adopt-a-Highway and Adopt-a-Stream programs.
He is uncertain on whether there is enough mountain biking access in NoVa
I enjoy existing trail systems and would like to see more of them. I have been a member of the Rails to Trails Conservancy for many years and support (with my own donations) that organization's goals of turning abandoned rail lines into trails
I would like to see more private grant money from corporations set aside to build and increase trail access in Northern Virginia.
He responded he does know if there should be a mountain biker on the DCR Recreational Trail Committee
He maybe interested in riding with MORE constituents. I'm not sure my bike is suitable for mountain bike trails.
Dave Marsden
House of Delegates, District 041, Democrat:
Hobbies and Interests: I am an avid bicyclist. I occasionally bike from my home in Burke to my office in Bethesda, Maryland using the W&OD, towpath and Capital Crescent. Other then that I am an avid reader. When younger I was a white water canoeist and have done a number of rivers in West Va., Va., Pa., NC and Tennessee.
He enjoys doing outdoor volunteer work
He enjoys riding to Mount Vernon and Purcelville
He is uncertain on whether there is enough mountain biking access in NoVa
Should trails be built for various users: Paved trails should be shared by everyone. Dont know a great deal about equestrian use but horse manure would appear to be a problem for bike trails.
He responded he does not know if there is enough grant money set aside to increase trail access in NoVa
He does not know if there should be a mountain biker on the DCR Recreational Trail Committee but thinks it would make sense to have one.
Yes he would be willing to go mountain biking with MORE constituents, but I only have a hybrid and a road bike, and with the campaign I am out of biking shape, so take it easy on me. Sounds like fun though!
Chris Gregerson
House of Delegates, District 45, Republican:
Ms. Mader,
Let me just write you a note instead of filling out your questionnaire. There are many needs for recreation in our commonwealth, I personally like to downhill ski. My priorities are for education of our lowest 20% of students and for increasing the wealth of our commonwealth. In Northern Virginia traffic congestion is threatening how and where we live. Those issues must be the priorities of our commonwealth. As we increase the wealth of the commonwealth we'll find a place for all recreation from boating, to mountain biking, to cross-country skiing.
Thanks for the great work you've done for your sport.
Chris Gregerson
John Mason
House of Delegates, District 037- Republican
Dear Ms. Mader,
Rather than respond directly to your questionnaire, Id like to take this means to provide some general observations and indication of support for MORE objectives. Having been on several civic committees and both councilmember and mayor of Fairfax, my comments come from this experience.
About 20 years ago, I chaired the City of Fairfax Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. During my tenure, I pushed strongly for an enhanced trail system. Our trails study concluded that- in a small, largely built-out jurisdiction such as Fairfax- the best trail solution was one that was multipurpose, providing opportunities for walkers, joggers, and bike riders. A reality was that serious bike riders were in the range of one percent of our trail users; therefore, to develop political support needed for city funding it was important to emphasize the multi-use aspects. During my sixteen years as a council member and mayor, I continue to urge that the city of Fairfax serve as a nodal point for Northern Virginia trail system.
While I enjoy recreational and somewhat leisurely biking in the context of our city trail system, I do not have any experience with off-trail or dedicated mountain biking. Conceptually, I like the idea and would be supportive of the idea. I am uncertain whether trails should be built for dedicated groups simply because me experience tells me that unity of effort is more likely to gain positive results than competing constituencies each wanting a piece of the pie. Having said that, I recognize that there are design and safety considerations that must be taken into account.
Want to know more about voting in Virginia? This link will give you information on who the candidates are (click on which candidates are on the ballot), where to vote, other important voting information.
http://www.sbe.virginia.gov/cms/Index.html