During these past few weeks, the Centreville Sentinel conducted a series of interviews with the Republican and Democratic candidates for the 40th district delegate of Virginia. In the interview, both candidates shared some of their backgrounds and the policies that they would like to implement if they were to be elected for office.

The legislative body of Virginia, the General Assembly, is divided into two parts: The House of Delegates and the Senate. The former is composed of 100 members, each representing a district in the state. The latter is composed of 40 members representing an equal number of single-member constituent districts. Similar to Congress, both parts of the General Assembly hold equal legislative power.

Throughout their campaign, both candidates have clearly stated how they will be using the legislative power that will potentially be granted to them.

As a Republican candidate, Hugo has stated that he will focus on opposing higher taxes, protecting abuse victims, transportation, and many other issues that are listed on his website and stated in the interview.

As a Democrat, Helmer states that his top priorities are stricter gun control laws, health care, women’s rights, and other issues that can also be found on his website and the interview conducted with the Sentinel.

Aside from their policies, the two candidates come from differing backgrounds. Hugo has been the incumbent for the past 17 years, and has also been working in the technology industry. Before his current position as delegate, Hugo was a sergeant in the U.S. Army. Helmer, on the other hand, is relatively new to the political field, compared to Hugo, and works with the Veterans’ Association in Virginia. Helmer is also currently a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Helmer promises that, by spending his life “serving this country solving difficult problems and fighting for our values,” he will be able to give representation that the people deserve and “take on the entrenched interests that prevents progress.”

Hugo stated that he will “focus on local issues that will make a difference in your life.” He tries “…to find pragmatic answers and get real results…” and wants “to focus and continue to focus on the day-to-day things that make a difference in everybody’s life.”

The election for the 40th District House of Delegates will occur on November 5th. As a democracy, it is paramount that we the citizens play our part to ensure that our views and opinions are represented through our government officials. As such, it is the responsibility of every student, who is able and part of the district, should attend to their civic duty and vote.

Students who are not sure of their district can check here.

Tim Hugo Interview 09/16/2019

Dan Helmer Interview 09/23/2019