Del. John O’Bannon & Candidate Tom Shields Talk to the Near West End News

A few weeks ago, we announced that Tom Shields would run against John O’Bannon in the race for the 73rd House District seat.  I decided to ask them both a few questions so that readers could get to know them and their platform a little better. This is the last in a four part series of their answers.

NWEN: With its increased diversity and the changing economy, what is your vision for the future of the 73 House District?
Incumbant Del. John O’bannon says:

My vision for the 73rd District is for it to continue to be a safe place to live and raise a family.  Maintaining our strong public schools, high standard of living, and low taxes are all very important to me, and my record reflects that emphasis.

Tom Shields says:

As our region and county changes, I believe we have an incredible opportunity to create a community where we are looking forward and not backward. Where we take the best from what we have done in the past and begin to forge new identities and new ways of viewing our differences. Too often our representation has not recognized this changing dynamic. As your representative in the House of Delegates I will reach out to all audiences and will encourage a dialogue across all spectrums. I will focus on all the magisterial districts in the 73rd –Fairfield, Brookland, Three Chopt, and Tuckahoe and the City of Richmond. This district and others across the Richmond region continue to change and grow and we can’t afford the same old partisan games. We need a new generation that recognizes that practical solutions involve everyone, not a select few.

NWEN: What do you feel are the most important issues facing the 73 District today?

Incumbant Del. John O’bannon says:

The most important issues are strong public education, low taxes, public safety and a healthy environment.

Tom Shields says:

I believe that the three most important issues facing the 73rd District are creating a quality education system, helping people and businesses survive this economic downturn, and creating a new sense of optimism and hope in our representation at the state level.

NWEN: Are you on Facebook and/or Twitter? Do you use any other social media marketing? How do you plan to utilize social media marketing to stay in touch with your constituents?

Incumbant Del. John O’bannon says:

I’m on Facebook and will use this and other media to communicate with constituents.  However, most of the inquiries and feedback we receive come from other methods of communication, like phone, mail, and e-mail.  My annual legislative survey yielded over 300 responses electronically this year.

Tom Shields says:

My campaign is on Facebook. Currently we have 150 members signed up, which shows the strength of my campaign and our use of this online social medium. My campaign and eventually my legislative office will use other forms of social marketing such as Twitter and blogging. We will also have a YouTube presence which will allow me to talk on the issues directly to the citizens of the 73rd.  I would encourage everyone to visit my website at www.shieldsfordelegate.com and look for those initiatives in the months ahead.
It is my hope that by making the campaign accessible through these social networking tools that it will allow my constituents the ability to communicate and collaborate with the campaign and myself. I feel these social media tools will provide true inside access to the campaign by allowing the sharing of ideas and information in an open and direct manner without the traditional formalities and barriers that exist.
NWEN: What do you see as the role of neighborhood news blogs in the future?

Incumbant Del. John O’bannon says:

Neighborhood news blogs will be integral in communications in the future.  And, I will add the Near West End News to the preferred blog list on my website.

Tom Shields says:

Neighborhood news blogs are continuing to grow in popularity and influence.  Blogs like the Near West End News, Buttermilk and Molasses and others provide citizens the ability to quickly disseminate information that directly relates to their neighborhoods without the traditional media filters. Much like social media tools mentioned previously, neighborhood news blogs provide an outstanding medium for citizens to receive, post, and comment on news in an open and direct manner. Blogs like this are a great way for citizens to let their voice be heard and I want to thank Jonah Holland for the work she is doing to facilitate this online dialogue with everyone who lives in the Near West End.

NWEN: Can you tell us a little about yourself and your family?

Incumbant Del. John O’bannon says:

I’ve been practicing medicine here for 30 years, raised 3 children in Henrico Public Schools and have 3 grandchildren who will attend public schools here in the county.  My wife is also in public service, serving on the Henrico County Board of Supervisors.  A more comprehensive biography is posted on my campaign website.

Tom Shields says:

I am on the faculty of the Jepson School of Leadership Studies and I am the director of the Center for Leadership in Education at the University of Richmond. I work with students, teachers, and administrators in K-12 school systems, both public and private, to help them better student learning and improve teaching. I have been at the University of Richmond for nearly eight years. Previously, I worked at Virginia Commonwealth University where I received my doctorate in public policy and administration and my Master of Arts degree in teaching high school. Over the years, I have worked hard for change and accountability in our state and local governments. The past several summers I have taught in the College Leaders Program and the High School Leaders Program at the University of Virginia’s Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership. Sorensen teaches our young people to be engaged and committed citizens in our local and state government. In addition to my professional life, I have a vibrant family life – I am married to Anne Bargatze and have three daughters, Ivey who is 9 months and Lydia and Ella who are two years and two months. We attend St. Bridget’s Catholic Church on Three Chopt Road. When I have the spare time I love to run and have participated in several marathons, including having run the Richmond marathon several times.