Edd Houck Refuses To Answer Patch Q&A

Candidate provided profile:

R. Edward "Edd" Houck was born in Smyth County. He attended public schools in Smyth County and received his Bachelor's of Science Degree in Education from Concord College and his M. Ed. from the University of Virginia.

As the son of a small businessman, Houck was raised to appreciate the values of hard work and diligence. He began his teaching career in Spotsylvania County as a middle-school science teacher.

He has also been a guidance counselor, assistant principal, and the director of Student Services for Fredericksburg City Public Schools. In 2007, Houck announced his retirement from the school system after 34 years of service as a public school educator.

Houck is the director of Corporate and Community Programs for MediCorp in Fredericksburg. Edd and his wife Dana live in Spotsylvania and have two children and two grandchildren.

Houck serves on the Finance, Education and Health, Transportation, Rules, and the General Laws and Technology committees. Senator Houck has been recognized for his efforts and has received numerous awards. For a specific listing of Sen. Houck's awards, visit here!

Edd Houck's Official Campaign Website

Houck refused to answer the following questions sent to his campaign on Oct. 5. Houck's campaign manager, Craig Bieber, provided the following statement when asked why Houck refuses to answer the questions:

"Every public questionnaire we answer becomes fodder for an attack ad by our opponent distorting our position."

Question 1: Should Virginia increase the gasoline tax to generate new revenue for road projects? Why or why not?

Question 2: What ideas do you have to help solve the 17th District's transportation problems?  

Question 3: Did you support Obama's health care initiatives? Why or why not? 

Question 4: Unfunded mandates are a big problem for localities and some in the 17th District have complained about this often. Just like some candidates sign a no-tax pledge, would you sign a no-unfunded mandate pledge if one existed? Why or why not? 

Question 5: What ideas do you have to help with job creation in the 17th District? Would you support the General Assembly removing the BPOL tax from the books or changing the way it is administered?