Tom Perriello (Candidate)
(434) 971-1344
1932 Arlington Blvd
Suite 205
Charlottesville, VA 22903
1932 Arlington Blvd
Suite 205
Charlottesville, VA 22903
Biography
PERRIELLO, Tom was born and raised in the 5th district of Virginia; J.D., Yale University Law School; Special Advisor and spokesperson for the International Prosecutor; National Security Analyst, the Century Foundation. No further information about this candidate is available at this time. If you have information that we can add, please email us at contact@SEforA.org.
CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE
Compare Innovation & the Elections 2008 responses for VA-5.
SEA and eighteen other science organizations have come together to ask the 2008 congressional candidates seven questions on science and technology policy. See what Tom Perriello has said:
Innovation
Science and technology have been responsible for half of the growth of the American economy since World War II. But several recent reports question America’s continued leadership in these vital areas. What policies would you support to ensure that America remains the world leader in innovation?
Since these questions are both essentially discussing the same point, I will address them at the same time with a very straightforward answer: once I am elected to Congress, I will demand a major investment in emerging technologies and an increase in efficiency standards to lower costs and boost job creation.
Specifically, I will work with farmers, business leaders, and investors to put Virginia at the forefront of the new energy economy -- something that I have already begun doing by having these conversations on the campaign trail and which I have now proposed through my economic R.E.V.I.V.A.L. plan. Finding "green" solutions to our problems can be our version of going to the moon; and the way that we take on that challenge is by placing top priority on new ways that our science, technology, and innovative research can deal with our energy difficulties (which we now see by having gas at $4 or more, but we know that this is only one of the many woes that come with the situation we now face).
Specifically, I will work with farmers, business leaders, and investors to put Virginia at the forefront of the new energy economy -- something that I have already begun doing by having these conversations on the campaign trail and which I have now proposed through my economic R.E.V.I.V.A.L. plan. Finding "green" solutions to our problems can be our version of going to the moon; and the way that we take on that challenge is by placing top priority on new ways that our science, technology, and innovative research can deal with our energy difficulties (which we now see by having gas at $4 or more, but we know that this is only one of the many woes that come with the situation we now face).
Climate Change
The Earth’s climate is changing and there is concern about the potentially adverse effects of these changes on life on the planet. What is your position on the following measures that have been proposed to address global climate change—a cap-and-trade system, a carbon tax, increased fuel-economy standards, and research? Are there other policies you would support?
I consider myself a Common Good Democrat. I believe the central challenge of our time is restoring a personal and public commitment to being in this together and watching out for our neighbor. We face serious challenges like climate change, and I believe that we need to commit to independence from fossil fuels within a generation. That will require major investments, a substantial shift in incentives, and a culture change as consumers. A revenue-neutral tax shift is one way to do this, but so are cap-and-trade systems that have worked to address problems such as acid rain.
As for specific targets, I most often hear from experts that we must draw the line at no more than a 2-degree Celsius temperature increase. Our goal must be set not by what seems politically possible but what will actually produce the end result we need. I will support any policy that gets us the results.
As for specific targets, I most often hear from experts that we must draw the line at no more than a 2-degree Celsius temperature increase. Our goal must be set not by what seems politically possible but what will actually produce the end result we need. I will support any policy that gets us the results.
Energy
Many scientists and policymakers say energy security and sustainability are major problems facing the United States this century. What policies would you support to meet the demand for energy while ensuring an economically and environmentally sustainable future?
Both parties in Washington have failed America on gas and electricity. I support increased domestic oil production and closing the "Enron loophole" on oil speculators. Our national security, our climate, and our economic competitiveness demand that we achieve independence from fossil fuels during this generation. Our leaders have lacked the courage to do what is necessary to make our country safe and to encourage the "dot-com" boom of the next generation: alternative energy and efficiency technologies. I will ensure that the farmers, businesses, and consumers of the 5th District have the tools and the incentives to lead America through this challenge. I will provide incentives for farmers to pursue small-scale energy production and require cooperation from power companies for farm-based energy production. I would also promote a consumer rewards program to provide incentives to households for reducing energy use and increasing energy efficiency.
Education
A comparison of 15-year-olds in 30 wealthy nations found that average science scores among U.S. students ranked 17th, while average U.S. math scores ranked 24th. What role do you think the federal government should play in preparing K-12 students for the science and technology driven 21st Century?
There is no higher calling for government than to help its people reach their God-given potential, and there are few better ways to do that than to ensure that all our children receive a quality education. We must support our local teachers and help recruit and retain new ones. We must develop better ways of evaluating our schools to encourage a focus on knowledge and learning. Educational opportunities must begin earlier and continue later in life by prioritizing a pre-K year, affordable and accessible college education and vocational training, and the lifelong skills training required to ensure American workers remain competitive in the global economy.
Furthermore, I believe that workforce development is essential for recruiting new employers and providing workers with the skills to move from minimum wage to a living wage. I will increase support for vocational programs, training facilities, and our great community colleges. I will also support a national program to recruit and retain quality teachers for underserved rural and small-town K–12 school districts.
Furthermore, I believe that workforce development is essential for recruiting new employers and providing workers with the skills to move from minimum wage to a living wage. I will increase support for vocational programs, training facilities, and our great community colleges. I will also support a national program to recruit and retain quality teachers for underserved rural and small-town K–12 school districts.
Water
Thirty-nine states expect some level of water shortage over the next decade, and scientific studies suggest that a majority of our water resources are at risk. What policies would you support to meet demand for water resources?
I think that it has become clear that the water shortage issue is a serious concern to all of us. Looking at other Southern states like Georgia and North Carolina, I think that we in Virginia need to acknowledge that we should be proactively thinking of new solutions to deal with the level of water shortage over the next decade; and one of the most important steps that we can take is to make room for the innovation we will need to begin to develop smarter efficiency technologies. This ties directly into my concern for the health of agriculture in Southside. Virginia farmers have always been the backbone of a healthy Virginia economy. Whether producing feedstocks for biofuels or bringing locally grown produce to market, Virginia's farmers and farmland must be protected and supported -- and we must watch out for their interests when we are shaping our water policies as well.
Research
For many years, Congress has recognized the importance of science and engineering research to realizing our national goals. Given that the next Congress will likely face spending constraints, what priority would you give to investment in basic research in upcoming budgets?
Since these questions are both essentially discussing the same point, I will address them at the same time with a very straightforward answer: once I am elected to Congress, I will demand a major investment in emerging technologies and an increase in efficiency standards to lower costs and boost job creation.
Specifically, I will work with farmers, business leaders, and investors to put Virginia at the forefront of the new energy economy -- something that I have already begun doing by having these conversations on the campaign trail and which I have now proposed through my economic R.E.V.I.V.A.L. plan. Finding "green" solutions to our problems can be our version of going to the moon; and the way that we take on that challenge is by placing top priority on new ways that our science, technology, and innovative research can deal with our energy difficulties (which we now see by having gas at $4 or more, but we know that this is only one of the many woes that come with the situation we now face).
Specifically, I will work with farmers, business leaders, and investors to put Virginia at the forefront of the new energy economy -- something that I have already begun doing by having these conversations on the campaign trail and which I have now proposed through my economic R.E.V.I.V.A.L. plan. Finding "green" solutions to our problems can be our version of going to the moon; and the way that we take on that challenge is by placing top priority on new ways that our science, technology, and innovative research can deal with our energy difficulties (which we now see by having gas at $4 or more, but we know that this is only one of the many woes that come with the situation we now face).
Health
Americans are increasingly concerned with the cost, quality, and availability of health care. How do you see science, research, and technology contributing to improved health and quality of life?
I believe that every American should have access to a doctor they can afford, and clearly science and technology play an important role in that. At the same time, we should also be clear about the fact that issues like universal health care should not be policies of right or left, but questions of right or wrong. These are questions of whether we fundamentally believe we are in this together and should have our neighbor's back. As I travel around central and Southside Virginia, I find people are hungry for a new generation of politics that focuses on promoting the common good.
This is not just about getting universal health care. It is about restoring a culture that is built on the principle that I am better off when my neighbor has health insurance.
This is not just about getting universal health care. It is about restoring a culture that is built on the principle that I am better off when my neighbor has health insurance.
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Political Positions
Climate Change
- Nothing posted to date
Education
- Nothing posted to date
Energy
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Environment
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Health
- Nothing posted to date
Innovation
- Nothing posted to date
Research and Research Management
- Nothing posted to date
