William “Bill” Cleaveland (R) says he is a conservative with a common sense approach to today’s challenges. He is a private practice attorney and has been for 25 years. He has been a substitute judge for over 10 years and was formerly a prosecutor for the Roanoke City Commonwealth Attorney’s office for five years.
Cleaveland says, “I believe the family is the foundation of our society. I support fiscal responsibility, limited government and protecting the rights of individuals, including the second amendment rights. It would be an honor and a privilege to represent you in the House of Delegates.” (William Fralin retired from the House after three terms representing the 17th district.)
Gwen Mason (D) says she has the vision, background and experience to represent us independently and effectively in Richmond. As a current Roanoke City councilwoman, she has voted for capital investments to attract and retain new businesses. Mason states she has “turned Roanoke clean and green with less litter, better code enforcement to protect our property values and energy cost savings for taxpayers.”
1. What is your party affiliation?
Mason: Democrat
Cleaveland: Republican
2. Where did you grow up?
M: Richmond, VA
C: Emporium, PA
3. What do you consider your best accomplishment in life so far?
M: Improving my community
C: N/A
4. Name three major endorsements.
M: Senator Mark Warner, The Farm Bureau of Virginia’s AgPAC and The Virginia Education Association
C: The NRA, the Roanoke Valley Association of Realtors and The Virginia Society for Human Life PAC
5. Will you raise taxes?
M: Maybe
C: No
6. Name two good reasons people should vote for you.
M: I am an independent leader with a commitment to my district, and I have a record of responsible leadership and am ready to fight for wise investments in Richmond.
C: My 30 years of public service and experience as a prosecutor, Substitute Judge and attorney; and my reputation for being a straight talker and problem solver.
7. Why did you decide to run?
M: I care deeply about my community, the Commonwealth and our culture and history as Virginians.
C: I was asked to run and I decided I have something positive to contribute as a public servant for the 17th District.
8. What is the last book you read?
M: The Story Sisters by Alice Hoffman
C: John Adams
9. How did you meet your spouse?
M: Through mutual friends on a trip to the beach
C: Through my law practice
10. Where is your favorite place to go on vacation?
M: The Bullpasture River in Highland County, VA
C: The Mountains
11. How long have you lived in your District?
M: 9 years
C: Approximately 25 years
12. Who do you admire now?
M: Many people including Gov. Gerald Baliles because of his agrarian Virginia roots
C: My parents
13. Do you owe any back taxes?
M: No
C: No
14. If elected, what are your top three priorities?
M: Stronger educational systems, transportation on solid footing and making sure the Roanoke Valley’s local governments have the authorities and funding they need to maintain and continue building strong communities.
C: Serving the citizens of the 17th District as an effective PUBLIC SERVANT, economic development and education, transportation and health care.
15. How will you attract new business to Virginia?
M: Making sure the General Assembly continues to preserve Virginia’s standing as the best place for business in the US, because of our education systems, relatively low taxes, business friendly environment (right to work, reasonable insurance rates, etc.).
C: My focus is new business development for the Roanoke Valley. I believe the best way to do this is to foster an entrepreneurial environment where small businesses can be incentivized to start up and grow here. A part of this plan would include incentives to partner with local educational institutions to better prepare our students for the opportunities in the Valley, and to encourage them to remain here.
By Carla Bream [email protected]
