Survey from Senator Frank Ruff

For nearly 18 years it has been my honor to serve you in the Virginia General Assembly.

 During the course of the 2011 session, I would like to keep you informed of the issues that will affect your family.
 
 To do a better job of that, I would like you to complete the following survey. Thank you in advance for taking the time to participate.

I value your feedback.
 
1.

 Although the Commonwealth’s revenues are showing some signs of improvement, the languishing economic recovery still necessitates spending restraint.  Considering this situation, what do you believe should be the highest priority in the upcoming budget?  [Please rank your responses.  1 = Highest Priority, and 6 = Lowest Priority.]

 

(1 = Highest Priority)
 
Funding for Mental Health Care Services
Funding for Public Safety
Funding for Public Schools (K-12)
Funding for State Supported Colleges and Universities
Funding for Transportation
Funding for Economic Development
2.

Should Virginia lower its corporate income tax rate to attract new industries, encourage existing ones to expand, and stimulate job growth?

 
Yes
No
3.

Gov. McDonnell has focused efforts on job creation to improve the economy.  Do you believe that he is correct in making this a priority for Virginia in the state budget?

 
Yes
No
4.

Small business is the backbone of our communities.  Should Virginia offer incentives for local businesses to grow and expand?
Yes
No
5.

Rural and poorer communities have greater challenges attracting new employers. Should such communities receive greater assistance from the state?


 
Yes
No
6.

Governor McDonnell’s Commission on Government Reform and Restructuring recently recommended that the Commonwealth end its monopoly on the retail sales of distilled alcoholic beverages.  The plan would allow privately owned retail stores to sell distilled spirits, but would also result in an increase in the number of outlets.  In your view, the General Assembly should:


 
Approve, with minor modifications, the plan proposed by Governor McDonnell's Commission?
Approve a plan that allows for private sales but allows for multiple stores in communities to sell for a true, free market system?
Keep the current system as is
7.

If you believe transportation requires additional funding, are you willing to:

[Please rank your responses   1 = Most Willing, and 4 = Least Willing]

(1 = Most Willing)
 
Pay tolls, if you choose, that would vary during rush hours to ensure a smooth traffic flow
Pay higher state gas taxes, the primary means of funding the current system
Reprioritize current state funding from other areas to transportation
Build roads with more partnerships between government and the private sector
8.

Should public school teachers be rewarded with merit-based pay increases when their students consistently outperform expectations?
Yes
No
9.

Does Virginia need more gun control laws, fewer restrictions on firearms ownership, or currently has the right balance of laws on the ownership and use of firearms?


 
Need more
Reduce restrictions
Right amount
10.

Should abortion clinics operating in Virginia be required to comply with the same health and safety standards as other health care facilities
Yes
No
11.

The Virginia Retirement System pension plan for state employees has a rising level of obligations and liabilities.  Should Virginia phase out the current defined benefit pension package, requiring state employees to invest their retirement account through a defined contribution plan, similar to the 401K plans found in the private sector?


 
Yes
No
12.

Do you support the exploration of natural gas off the coastal areas of Virginia?

 
Yes
No
13.

Improving the Chesapeake Bay watershed is a priority of every level of Government.  To address the issue of farm and development run-off, which actions should Virginia take?
Increase funding for best agricultural practices
Restrict development in the watershed
Increase funding for improved septic system
14.

Should Virginia require local jails to release criminal aliens to United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after they have served their sentence?

Yes
No
15.

Should Virginia State Police and local law enforcement officers be required to detain and hold illegal aliens for deportation when they are pulled over for a traffic violation or arrested for another crime

Yes
No
16.

Having seen what others think are important issues, please tell me what you believe are the three most important issues in the Commonwealth today
 

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