DONALD MCEACHIN, DEMOCRAT
1. Why should residents of your district elect you? I ask for the votes of my constituents because I want to continue to work hard to make the Ninth Senate District and the Commonwealth of Virginia the best it can be for people to live and raise their families. We need good-paying jobs, excellent public schools, an adequate transportation system, mass transit, a clean and healthy environment and opportunity and justice for all Virginians.

2. What will be your top focus if elected? In these troubling economic times, the focus has to be the budget. We need to find ways to reprioritize so that citizens get the services they need, our schools get sufficient funding, our bridges, roads and tunnels are repaired and maintained and our health care system ensures that everyone can get care when needed.

3. What is the most critical issue 1) facing your district? 2) facing the state as a whole? How do you propose to address these? In my district, as in all of Henrico, the most critical issue is jobs. We need to ensure there are well-paying, good jobs for all citizens who want to work. We need to make sure our students have the skillset to get these jobs. When citizens are working, they not only can feed and take care of their families, they can pay their fair share which allows us to do what we need to do for the common good of the community. I will work with local officials and the administration to recruit corporations to my district. I will also implement policies to support small businesses. Finally, I will continue to advocate for the best public school system, vocational training and public higher education to create the best workforce.

4. How will you involve citizens in matters of government? My door is always open. Whether during the General Assembly Session or the rest of the year, I am always happy to meet with and help constituents. My law office is in the heart of the district so constituents can come by with any problem, suggestion or concern. I will continue to attend community association meetings and any other gatherings. Finally, as I always have, I will communicate by both personal letter and newsletter throughout the district.

5. What’s your favorite way to spend the weekend? My favorite way to spend any weekend is with my wife and three wonderful daughters. Whether it’s watching TV, playing a board game or even shopping, spending time with them and watching them grow up is truly a joy.

6. What personal or professional clubs or organizations are you a member of? I am a life member of the NAACP, a member of Virginia Trial Lawyers Association, a Board member of POFEV (People of Faith for Equality), a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and a vice-chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia.