Voters prepare for the polls

Who's running locally

STAFFORD — The Nov. 3 Election will be here before Stafford residents know it, and there’s little time left to prepare or learn more about area candidates vying for votes. Many have already made up their minds, but for others, the choices aren’t so clear.

For many local residents, the issues are what weighs on their minds the most. What will the candidates do for me? How will they make life better and easier? How will they make living in Stafford or Virginia an improvement over how it is currently? For some people, roads and transportation are key issues; for others, it’s health care, schools or something in between. Many over anything else are seeking character traits that they feel will best define a leader — honesty, drive, a passion for leading a county or locality, motivation to get things done.

What’s important to individual voters will vary across the board. Many of the candidates have visited Stafford residents, letting them know what their plans are should they be elected. The candidates have worked to allow you to get to know them, through their Web sites, personal visits and events that bring the public and community together.

Key issues in the governor’s race for Bob McDonnell include jobs, public safety, education taxes and transportation. For Creigh Deeds, important issues include many of McDonnell’s, as well as keeping Virginia a best state for business and the best place to raise a child, according to their individual Web sites.

Among Bill Bolling’s plans are to create jobs and grow the economy if elected lieutenant governor, he said in a press release earlier this week. As for his opponent Jody Wagner, creating jobs and focusing on fiscal responsibility are two of her goals as well.

Running for attorney general, Ken Cuccinelli and Stephen Shannon will face off. Cuccinelli has been a member of the Virginia Senate since 2002. His experience as a small business owner and an attorney prepares him for the role of attorney general, he said on his Web site. In addition, Cuccinelli has served on a number of committees.

Shannon, who stumped in Stafford on Sunday, said that unlike his opponent, he’s been a state prosecutor. Shannon said there’s a huge contrast in focus between the two candidates. The position is a “huge office and a powerful office — you could also do a lot to politicize it with pet projects,” he said, noting that he does not have a political agenda.

Below, here’s a look for Stafford residents at who’s running in area elections. Consider carefully before you head to the polls, but most importantly, head to the polls!

Bill Howell, the incumbent running for the 28th district House of Delegates, brings experience to the table, while Independent Green candidate Craig Ennis seeks to challenge him. And, Republican Mark Cole is unopposed in the 88th District.

Locally, the board of supervisors and school board will hash it out between candidates. One of the races that’s stirred public interest is the Aquia supervisors’ race between incumbent Supervisor Paul Milde, R-Aquia, and two independent challengers, R. Paul Ortiz, and Irene Egan.

All of the races should prove to be a fight to the finish:

Governor
Bob McDonnell - R
Creigh Deeds - D

Lieutenant Governor
Bill Bolling – R – incumbent
Jody Wagner – D

Attorney General
Ken Cuccinelli II – R
Stephen Shannon – D

Member, House of Delegates -28th District
William Howell – R – incumbent
Craig Ennis - IG

Member, House of Delegates - 88th District
Mark Cole – R – incumbent

Member, Board of Supervisors, Hartwood District
M.S. “Joe Brito” – I – incumbent
Gary Snellings – R
Shawn P. Goss – I

Member, Board of Supervisors, Aquia District
Paul V. Milde III – R – incumbent
Irene M. Egan – I
R. Paul Ortiz – I

Member, Board of Supervisors, Falmouth District
Susan Stimpson – R
Doug Filler – D
Mark Osborn – I

Member, Board of Supervisors, Garrisonville District
L. Mark Dudenhefer – R
Laura Sellers – D

Member, School Board, Hartwood District
Doreen Phillips – I – incumbent
Noreen Crowley

Member, School Board, Aquia District
Stephanie J. Johnson – I
Jonathan P. Myers – I

Member, School Board, Falmouth District
M.G. “Meg” Bohmke – I

Member, School Board, Garrisonville District
Ty A. Schieber – I

Tracy Bell is managing editor of the Stafford County Sun. Reach her at tbell@insidenova.com.