Bearing Drift sent out questions to all three candidates for the Republican nomination in the 81st district. Tom Keeley’s responses are as follows:
BD: Why are you running for the House of Delegates?
What I experienced as the Commanding Officer of NAS Oceana, especially during the BRAC process, taught me that our area’s local, state and federal leadership truly do not understand or value the tangible and intangible contributions our military and veterans make to this area, state and country. There were lots of words but very little well thought out and planned actions to prevent putting a true economic engine in harms way.
I had the opportunity to personally look, listen, and learn how other areas of our country understand and value their military installations. Hearing how other areas actively embrace and foster growth of their communities with those contributions; I decided to stand up and represent the interests, which make the 81st District special: interests of the average citizen.
BD: Have you ever donated to any Democratic candidates?
I have never donated to Democratic candidates.
BD: What is your position concerning NAS Oceana and what role have you played in advocating that position?
I initiated a plan to get the local communities involved in a Joint Land Use Study for I knew realignment within the Department of Defense was coming due to budgetary constraints. NAS Oceana and its Dam Neck Annex are not only economic engines but also strategic assets when you consider this Nation’s defense. Therefore, I fought to help educate the area’s officials because it was the right thing to do. What would have happened if that Joint Land Use Study had not been undertaken?
BD: What is your opinion on the upcoming General Assembly budget and what makes you qualified to make these decisions?
Our economies impact on the upcoming budget is the biggest problem facing the General Assembly. I managed NAS Oceana, which has a multi-million dollar budget as well as a multi-million dollars impact on the 81st District’s entire economy. When necessary I made cuts to the budget of Oceana . . .
BD: What is your position on abortion?
I am a Roman Catholic.
BD: What solutions do you offer for the transportation problem in Hampton Roads?
Government cannot solve this ever-growing problem without the focused help of businesses and citizens. The budget crisis will require the General Assembly to cut spending. I will push for spending to focus on the true requirements of government, one of which is transportation. If we do not better maintain and make safety improvements on what we presently have, it will negatively influence the cost of doing business in this area.
We need to look at ways to cut down on congestion by reevaluating our present work culture. We need to find ways to incentivize both citizens and businesses to help affect these changes.
We need to support, manage and grow our port facilities in a way that would allow a portion of revenues to help fund transportation maintenance and new intermodal initiatives, which focus on reducing congestion.
We need to bring all elected officials, businesses and citizens together in a collaborative process to help solve these problems. We do not need an independent regional transit authority, which adds yet another layer of indecision to a solution we must develop NOW! I will strongly oppose formation of such an authority or any independent taxing initiative.
BD: What is your position on moving the H.W. Bush to Florida?
I again think back to my experience at Oceana and stress that this region as well as this state must become proactive in all matters pertaining to military and government businesses. Yes, they are businesses and we need must understand that. We must actively protect and foster processes to help them deal with the changes the war we are in will bring. Believe me; other areas of our country are looking for new businesses…
BD: What is your position on government and taxes?
I believe taxes need to be reduced to stimulate growth and allow people to keep more of the money they earned. Virginia’s budget continues to grow beyond the rate of inflation. We need to realign and refocus government resources on requirements based core functions.
BD: What is your position on the Back Bay?
It is a strategic natural resource. We must staunchly protect and foster its natural growth. We can reap far more benefits from it that way. I could see benefits, which would flow into and capitalize on in our educational system and economy.
