Senate District 19 candidates: Christie New Craig and Myra Payne
Republican Christie New Craig and Democrat Myra Payne are facing to represent District 19 in the state Senate.
The district includes parts of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. It has a Republican lean, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.
New Craig previously served on the Chesapeake School Board. Payne has not held elected office.
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Christie New Craig
Age: 56
Occupation: Small business owner/Chief Of Staff for Senator John Cosgrove
Education: Some college, Western Branch High School & Sorenson Institute
Party affiliation: Republican
Previous elected offices held: Chesapeake School Board
Website: christienewcraig.com/
What piece of legislation would you most like to see passed in the next General Assembly session?
One of my first bills will be to reinstate the tax free back-to-school/energy star holiday the first weekend of August.
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?
I support Governor Youngkin’s position with exceptions for rape, incest, and cases where the mother’s life is at risk.
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?
I support the State Air Pollution Control Board’s decision to repeal RGGI. I would use some of the $5 billion budget surplus for the flooding and resiliency fund and then return some of the money back to the tax payers; General Fund money could also be used.
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Myra Payne
Age: 62
Occupation: Retired army Ltc combat nurse
Education/degree: Master of Nursing Science in adult health nursing and Master of Business Administration degrees from University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio, Texas.
Party affiliation: Democrat
Previous elected offices held (if any): none
Website: myrapaynevasenate.com
What piece of legislation would you most like to see passed in the next General Assembly session?
I am dedicated to promoting environmental sustainability and responsible gun ownership. I support increased requirements for lost and stolen firearms, advocating for safer storage through mandatory locks and safes. My legislative focus includes pushing for comprehensive healthcare reform to ensure affordable healthcare and accessible health insurance for all Virginians. In the upcoming General Assembly session, I aim to prioritize legislation that addresses these critical issues for the betterment of constituents’ lives.
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?
I strongly believe that personal healthcare decisions, especially those concerning reproductive choices, should remain the exclusive domain of individuals and their healthcare providers. It is not the role of politicians to interfere with these deeply personal matters. Every person deserves the autonomy to make informed choices about their own bodies and reproductive health, free from unnecessary legislative intervention. As a firm advocate for pro-choice policies, I am committed to ensuring that these fundamental rights are protected and respected, allowing individuals to make the decisions that are best for their lives and well-being.
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?
In light of the state’s departure from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), it is imperative to find alternative sources to fund crucial flooding and resiliency programs for Hampton Roads municipalities. To ensure the financial stability of these programs, I believe we should explore innovative funding mechanisms such as: Public-Private Partnerships, Environmental Bonds, Green Infrastructure Incentives, Impact Fees
Community Grants. To explore these options further and devise a comprehensive strategy, I recommend collaborating with environmental economists, legal experts, and environmental organizations. Together, we can create a sustainable funding mechanism that supports vital flood and resiliency programs while promoting responsible energy practices.
