Serving Chesterfield & Colonial Heights, Virginia

11th District Issues
The following are issues that Senator Martin feels are important to the 11th District and Virginia in 2007.

Education:
It is our responsibility to assure a quality educational opportunity for all of Virginia’s children, regardless of their geography or family’s financial condition. Many have the financial means to choose where their children will attend school by purchasing their homes in the right neighborhood or their willingness to pay the necessary tuition. Others find themselves trapped in schools that are not meeting their needs. Neither case is good for this Commonwealth. No one should have to move or pay tuition in order to find the kind of quality education we should be assuring. That is why I fight so hard for accountability and choice in education. Read More...

Family Matters:
 The strength of our communities is dependent on the strength of our families, and the individuals that comprise them. While government can not directly affect the heart and will of the individual it can and does set a standard for what is or is not acceptable behavior. Nothing is more important determining these standards than the value we place on human life. Read More...

Eminent Domain:
 The right to private property is one of the foundations of our Republic and is clearly stated as a fundamental right in Virginia’s Constitution. But, the Constitution is apparently not safe from bad court decisions. After the devastating US Supreme Court ruling, Kelo Vs. City Of New London, it became clear that Virginia needed to go an addition mile to protect our citizen’s property rights. No one should have their property taken from them for another’s personal gain, an increase in tax revenue or for an increase in employment. Read More...

Immigration Reform:
Virginia was established by immigrants. My own family includes a rich heritage of Norwegian immigrants. Legal immigrants of every ethnic background seek refuge and opportunity in this great land. Legal immigrants begin their journey in the United States with respect for our laws. Read More...

Public Safety:
Organized gangs are on the rise in Chesterfield and Colonial Heights, as is the violence and the havoc they wreak. I appreciate the work that our Chesterfield and Colonial Heights Police Forces are doing to combat this menace. But, the problem exists around the entire Commonwealth. Read More...

Jobs & Economic Opportunity:
I tell the employers in our area that the best thing they can do for me is to keep my fellow citizens well employed. That being true, it is my job to help maintain a business friendly environment so that these businesses can prosper. We have been doing that as Virginia continues to be recognized as among the best states in the nation to operate a business. Read More...

Taxes & Spending:
 Forty percent of the average family’s earnings go to pay taxes at the federal, state or local level. Virginians don’t mind paying taxes if it is fair and the money is wisely spent. As your Senator I have and will continue to fight against efforts to raise your taxes for every excuse that comes around the corner. Read More...

Transportation:
Our success on transportation funding and VDOT reform, this past session, was a good  first step. We have to be bold in our approach as we move forward. Read More...