Craig Parisot was victorious Saturday in a firehouse primary over Al Johnson to become the Republican nominee in the race that will replace Congresswoman-elect Barbara Comstock. The special election will be held Jan. 6, 2015.
Parisot took some time over the weekend to answer some questions:
What has most prepared you most to be a member of the House of Delegates?
I know how to create jobs, balance budgets, and make tough decisions because that is what I do every day as a business owner. In business, you never have enough to do everything you need to do. We don’t have slush funds. You just can’t think that way or you go out of business. My experience as a technology executive is most relevant to the future of our economy. I am about looking forward and taking ideas and putting them into action. That is the essence of innovation and the future of the Commonwealth depends on it.
Serving as a Delegate is about service, plain and simple. And that’s something that I have dedicated a great deal of talent to, serving our community. I’m the President of Volunteer Fairfax, serve on the board of the World Police and Fire Games, in addition to being a member of the McLean Citizen’s Association and great Falls Citizens Association. Further, I am a committed member of the Fairfax County Republican Committee, supporting our Conservative candidate on the Finance Committee as well as working alongside you at the grass roots level to ensure our values are represented. When you combine this with my business experience, my close ties to the business and technology communities, I have a good handle on the pulse of what’s important to the people of the 34th.
What do you think the role of being a delegate entails?
I believe that the most important action a Delegate can take is to listen. I want the voters in the 34th District to know that everyone has a seat at the table. I intend to give every constituent’s concern with equal deliberation. You see, if a Delegate isn’t listening to the people of their district, how can they adequately represent you in Richmond?
What do you think matters most to your district? What are your legislative priorities?
Diversifying the economy. From Sterling to McLean, I want to ensure that the entire district has equal ability to benefit from a thriving economy. I believe that the NoVA’s future is going to be driven by a robust technology center. You see, we have an incredible talent pool in Northern Virginia, but far too often, innovative youth are being pulled to California or Massachusetts to pursue the high tech jobs that will define our nation’s economy in the coming decades. My number one priority will be to reform our tax code and make NoVA a nurturing climate for startups and the technology sector.
What does it mean to be a Republican? A conservative? Do you consider them to be the same or different?
Republicans and Conservatives have very much in common. Most importantly the desire to increase and maintain our individual liberties while decreasing the role that government plays in our daily lives. The key difference between Conservatives and Republicans is that Conservatism transcends party lines. One doesn’t need to be a registered Republican to be a Conservative.
Would you have voted in favor of the McDonnell-Howell transportation plan? Describe your position.
My position on the Transportation plan is simple. We must hold state government accountable and keep the politics out of transportation decisions focusing on congestion relief. Another one of my priorities to watch our transportation expenditures like a hawk to safeguard our tax dollars and make certain that revenue generated is used only for the express purpose for which it was raised.
Also, Speaker of the House William Howell took a moment to congratulate Parisot:
“Congratulations to Craig and his campaign team on securing the Republican nomination,” said Speaker Howell. “Following in the footsteps of a proven leader like Barbara Comstock is an almost impossible task, but Craig is up for the challenge. He is an energetic community leader, entrepreneur and third-generation veteran. Craig’s business experience, passion for service and keen understanding of the issues facing Fairfax, Loudoun and Prince William Counties will make him a strong member of the House of Delegates. I look forward to having him join our ranks in Richmond next year.”
