Esteban Garces Says Metrorail is Economic Engine

Editor's Note: This Q&A has been re-featured for readers as the election is Nov. 8. 

Candidate provided profile:

Born in Northern Virginia, Esteban Garces attended Virginia’s public schools. He graduated from Mary Washington University with a Bachelor’s in Network Security.  He is married to his wife, Jennifer, and they live in Woodbridge. Esteban helps run a Northern Virginia nonprofit called Virginia New Majority, where he received the James B. Hunter Human Rights Award.

Esteban Garces' Official Campaign Website

Question 1: HOT lanes are coming to Prince William County. What are your feelings about HOT lanes and did you support this project?

I am opposed to HOT lanes in Prince William County. Selling off our public roads to foreign corporations so they can impose tolls on commuters will not reduce congestion or spur development.

Question 2: What ideas or solutions do you have in mind for transportation, and specifically commuters?

Extending Metro to Potomac Mills is badly needed and has been long delayed. Every community that has received Metro extension has benefited from increased economic development, heightened property values and shorter commute times. Starting that process now will be my #1 priority.

Question 3: What are some non-core services you plan to target for potential budget cuts if elected?

The I-95 HOT Lanes project is projected to cost over a billion dollars and there has been no accounting for what percentage of funds taxpayers will be required to pay. Cutting this project could save Virginia up to $500 million dollars.

Question 4: What is the biggest issue facing the residents of the new 2nd House District?

Traffic. Residents of the 2nd House District have been more fortunate than other parts of the nation in this economic downturn with lower unemployment and higher incomes. However, the chronic transportation problems along the I-95/Route-1 Corridor persist. Our area recently received the dubious distinction of having the longest commutes in the United States.

Question 5: Should Virginia increase the gas tax to generate new revenue for transportation? How would you want to generate more money for transportation?

A modest increase in the gas tax is one of many options that should be considered for raising revenue for transportation projects. Other options include increasing fees for vanity plates within the commonwealth and conducting regular audits of VDOT contractors to ensure efficient use of the taxpayers dollars.