House District 93 candidates: Jackie Hope Glass and John Sitka
Central and much of east Norfolk will decide this election whether to send a relatively new Norfolk Democratic legislator back to the House of Delegates or to change tack and go with a Republican. Jackie Hope Glass previously represented the 89th House District after winning a special election last year. Now, Glass is seeking election to the newly drawn 93rd District against John Sitka.
Jackie Hope Glass
Age: 39
Occupation: Producer/Instruction Systems Designer/CSR Consultant
Education/degree: Bachelor’s degree, Southern Illinois University – Carbondale
Party affiliation: Democrat
Previous elected office: House of Delegates 89th District
Website: delegatejackieglass.com
What piece of legislation would you most like to see passed in the next General Assembly session?
I look forward to passing legislation that tangibly eases the cost of living for Virginians. This isn’t just a policy objective; it’s a heartfelt mission to enrich the lives of those I proudly serve. To realize this, our immediate focus should encompass affordable housing, accessible healthcare, education support, improved public transportation, as well as tax relief and reform to alleviate financial burdens. We must also prioritize subsidies for the essentials like childcare, food, and utilities, along with advancing energy efficiency. Our duty is clear: to ease the financial strain on our fellow Virginians. Every legislative stride taken brings us closer to a future where living costs are more manageable, opportunities are abundant, and well-being takes precedence.
Virginia allows abortions during the first two trimesters of pregnancy, or up to about 26 weeks, and limits circumstances under which third-trimester abortions are permitted. Should the rules under which the state allows abortion be changed? If so, until what week/trimester should abortion be allowed in the state and why do you feel that limit is appropriate?
Guaranteeing access to safe and legal abortion is of utmost importance in upholding reproductive health, privacy, and the right to make thoughtful decisions regarding one’s own body. Decision-making responsibility must stay within the realm of the pregnant individual, in close partnership with their trusted healthcare professional. Enabling individuals to be proactive in directing their medical choices throughout every phase of pregnancy aligns with the core values of personal empowerment and self-determination. Public officials have a responsibility to prioritize the welfare, personal liberties, and autonomy of every individual, refraining from attempts to exert authority over deeply personal and medical choices that rightfully belong to each person (periodt)
The state is set to leave the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which has provided millions of dollars in flood and resiliency funding to municipalities in Hampton Roads. How would you like to see flooding and resiliency programs paid for if RGGI is no longer an option and what is an adequate amount of money for the state to contribute?
Funding for resiliency would be the responsibility of us — taxpayers. While the exact mechanism of funding is important, the reality is that whatever form it takes, it will ultimately be taxpayers footing the bill somehow. I believe funding these projects through our economic development and transportation funds would be wise, with local governments taking the lead on project engineering and feasibility studies in their respective localities and the state providing matching funding on a case-by-case basis driven by a rating system similar to VDOT’s SMART Scale. I look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions with community members, stakeholders, and experts to collaboratively find the most effective solutions to this unfortunate situation.
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John Sitka
Age: 67
Occupation: Retired
Education/degree: Liberty University, Ph.D., medical degree or equivalent
Party affiliation: Republican
Previous elected office: N/A
Website: sitkafordelegate.com
What piece of legislation would you most like to see passed in the next General Assembly session?
Workforce Education. An expansion of the Distributive education program of going to school a half day and working a half day for high school credit. This need to also include work in Profit, Non-Profit, and Local and State Jobs. The concept uses the Hampton Roads Workforce Council model of their Next-Gen program for students ages 14 and up. The agenda needs to include tax incentives for those businesses that train and employ the students in this program.
Virginia allows abortions during the first two trimesters of pregnancy, or up to about 26 weeks, and limits circumstances under which third-trimester abortions are permitted. Should the rules under which the state allows abortion be changed? If so, until what week/trimester should abortion be allowed in the state and why do you feel that limit is appropriate?
Your question is referring to VAC Title 18.2 Chapter 4 Article 9. Unless the voters of the 93rd are asking for a change, I have no intention of changing or reversing this law. There are more pressing issues affecting our community.
The state is set to leave the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which has provided millions of dollars in flood and resiliency funding to municipalities in Hampton Roads. How would you like to see flooding and resiliency programs paid for if RGGI is no longer an option and what is an adequate amount of money for the state to contribute?
As a resident of Norfolk, I would fight to gain financial assistance from the state. I am aware of the devastation of Katrina and Harvey. Had Hurricane Isabel made a direct hit and lingered, then the Hampton Roads Area would have experienced the same catastrophe. It’s a matter of “pay me now or pay me later.” If the state does not help pick the difference, when an actual disaster hits, the state will end up spending more money and political clout.
