Mike Wade (R) – Candidate for US House, Virginia 4th District
Michael L. “Mike” Wade (R), running for U.S. House of Representatives in Virginia’s 4th District
1. Why are you running for office?
I care deeply about the future we are creating for my children and grandchildren. The America my generation inherited is one where anyone can become anything they want to be through hard work and determination. Sadly – unless things change – the country our children are going to inherit is one where opportunities are scarce and freedom is continuing to shrink. This is something we must not allow to happen. We must implement the right policies to grow jobs, support our businesses and that get government out of the way so our hardworking 4th District families can grow and thrive.
As Sheriff of Henrico County I have made finding solutions to address mental health and substance abuse issues a hallmark of my time in office. These two issues are destroying our communities and hurting our families and it is time leaders in Washington address these issues and fins serious solutions.
2. Why should people vote for you?
When I was first elected Sheriff of Henrico, Andrew Winston – the former Sheriff of Richmond – gave me one piece of advice: To be a successful Sheriff you need to get out and talk to the people you serve, whether that’s the community, your deputies or the inmates in your jail. It is that involvement and accessibility that has made the Henrico Sheriff’s office one of the best in the nation, and that is how I want to represent the entire 4th District.
4th District families deserve a leader who listens to them, is responsive to their needs, and who will fight for their issues in Congress. As Sheriff, I have a long record of bringing both sides together to serve the citizens, and that is how I will lead in Washington.
3. What’s your favorite thing about the area you want to represent?
I love the diversity of the 4th District. We have everything from cities, farmland and large military communities. This diversity brings an intense engagement on all the issues, and requires a tremendous amount of meeting constituents and hearing their needs. I truly enjoy traveling throughout the District (I have put 8,600 miles on my car since July) and I look forward to continuing this as your next Congressman.
4. What is the biggest problem your area is facing, how will you fix it?
In my opinion the biggest problem the 4th District is facing is a lack of job opportunity. Our leaders in Washington have spent the past several years padding the pockets of their donors and special interests, while completely ignoring everyday Americans.
The 4th District is really struggling and needs leadership dedicated to creating an environment where business can thrive and create jobs, which will help struggling 4th District families. We need to lower our tax rate (which is currently one of the highest in the world), remove regulations and bring jobs back that we’ve lost to other countries as a result of our bad trade deals. That will be my number one focus as your next Congressman.
5. Describe Donald Trump in max 3 words?
Strong businessman
6. Describe Hillary Clinton in max 3 words?
All about Hillary.
7. What do you do for a living? Why do you do it?
I have spent 42 years in law enforcement – the last 17 of which has been spent as the Sheriff for Henrico County. I have always had a deep love for my community here in Henrico and have always had a
8. You’re going to be marooned on a tropical island for a week, you can only bring 1 thing – what is it?
I would bring a pocketknife with me. That simple tool offers the means by which to make a shelter, hunt for food and survive any threats.
9. What do you think of Colin Kaepernick?
I firmly believe in the right of every American to speak up on the issues they believe in and to have their voice heard and counted. That said I personally believe that there are more appropriate venues to protest than during the playing of the national anthem. Our anthem is a celebration of our freedom and pays tribute to the countless American heroes who gave their all in the service of preserving our union. That should be our focus during the playing of the national anthem, and I would encourage everyone to not take that lightly.
10. Would you vote to fund light rail expansion in your area?
This is one area where I differ from many Republicans as I view light rail as a necessary component for the future of our national and regional transportation infrastructure. I certainly believe there are more integral items for us to find funding for first, and we must reign in deficit spending while paying down our tremendous amount of national debt. Once those items are taken care of I absolutely would vote in favor of light rail.
11. Will you respect the outcome of the election?
I absolutely will respect the choice made by the voters on November 8th. Our Republic is built on the principle of fighting for your beliefs. But what has made us so great is that at the end of the process we come together and try to move our country forward as one.
12. Favorite TV Show?
Homicide Hunter.
