Gary West for Delegate

Background:

Gary R. West was born on May 11, 1954 in Danville, Virginia. Gary graduated from Bridgewater College with a B.A. in History and Political Science in 1976. In 1978 he graduated from Virginia Tech with a M.A. in Political Science. From 1978-1981, he held the position of Visiting Lecturer of Political Science at Virginia Tech. Gary attended Loyola University School of Law in New Orleans, LA and received a J.D. in 1984. Upon completion of his law degree, Gary became an associate at the New Orleans law firm Gertler, Gertler, & Vincent where he concentrated on representing workers suffering from occupation lung disease until. In 1989, Gary and his family moved to Newport News, VA. He joined the law firm Patten, Wornom, Hatten, & Diamonstein (formerly Patten, Wornom, and Watkins) in 1990 as an associate, and later partner, where he continued to represent workers suffering from occupational lung diseases. From 2002-2003 he worked as a partner handling worker’s compensation cases with Rutter & Mills. In 2003, he established his own general practice, Gary R. West, Attorney at Law, where he continues to work today.

Gary West was a member of the Newport News Planning Commission from 2001-2008. He was appointed to the Regulations Committee of Newport News Planning Commission and currently serves as Chairman of that committee.

Personal:
Gary West was married to Linda O’Brien West in 1981 in Virginia Beach, VA. They have two daughters, Catherine and Diane. Catherine was born in New Orleans, LA and graduated from Hampton Roads Academy in 2003. She attended American University and graduated in 2006 with a B.A. in Psychology. She currently resides in Washington, DC and works as a Public Affairs Manager at the Association for Psychological Science. Diane was born in New Orleans, LA and graduated from Hampton Roads Academy in 2005. She is in her forth year at the University of Virginia majoring in English and Education.

Goals:

I am running to take action on transportation problems, support education and confront the gang violence problem in Newport News.

Issues:

1. Transportation
2. Education
3. Public Safety

Grassroots Support:

Grassroots organizing is the primary strategic component of my campaign.

DFA Values:

U.S. Congressman Bobby Scott recently proposed the Youth Promise Act which adopts an approach that I would work to see implemented in Virginia. We can not prosecute and imprison our way out of the gang problem. I believe the best way to stop gangs is to provide young people in marginalized communities with the opportunities for mainstream success. Quality schools, after school activities, job training, safe places to live, child care, and early intensive intervention at the first signs of a problem are the hallmarks of an effective strategy against gang violence. I will work to incorporate this approach to halt the escalating crime in Virginia

The transportation problem that we have in Virginia is, in large part, a fiscal responsibility issue. The Virginia Department of Transportation is the largest state agency and needs a management overhaul. The agency has not spent the taxpayers money wisely yet claims to have no money for roads. The Republican majority in the Virginia House of Delegates and the current Republican Delegate from Newport Newport News (Glenn Oder) have wasted time and money on untried and unconstitutional funding schemes for the last eight years.

I support equal rights for all people regardless of sexual orientation. I support marriage equality. I am opposed to the building of a new coal fired power plant in Surry Virginia (5 miles from my home). I cherish the Chesapeake Bay and will act to clean it up.