Frank Principi Seeks Second Term

Editor's Note: This Q&A has been re-featured for readers as the election is Nov. 8. 

Frank J. Principi began his first term as Woodbridge Supervisor in January 2008. He has devoted his service on the Board of County Supervisors to three priorities: better transportation, better development and better neighborhoods for the Woodbridge District. 

Principi is Vice Chairman of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments and is past Chairman of the Emergency Preparedness Council. He also serves on the Northern Virginia Regional Commission, Virginia Association of Counties, Community Development Committee, Potomac and Rappahannock Transportation Commission and the Quantico Growth Management Committee.

Having worked on Capitol Hill for the National Governors Association, Principi brings extensive federal, state and local public policy experience to the Supervisor’s position. As a former owner of a management consulting firm, Principi understands the challenges of local businesses. Currently, he is Executive Director of the , a non-profit organization that provides all Prince William families with access to affordable health care.

Prior to becoming Supervisor, Principi served as Chairman of the Future Commission 2030, which interviewed nearly 2,000 County residents in order to develop a long-term vision that is the basis of the County’s Strategic Plan and Capital Improvement Program. He served on the County Transportation (Mobility) Advisory Group, updating the land use, transportation and mass transit chapters of the Comprehensive Plan. He also served on the County’s Board of Equalization and is a graduate of the Community Leadership Institute. Principi is a member of the Prince William Chamber of Commerce, the Prince William County and Woodbridge Democratic Committees and the Knights of Columbus.

He earned his B.A. in American History and Political Science at UCLA and is a Masters Candidate in Government and Politics at the University of Maryland, College Park. A guest lecturer on international crises, Principi has appeared on several national television networks. He lives in Woodbridge with his wife Cecilia and their twin daughters, Ana Michelle and Diana Marie. They are members of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church.

Frank's Official Campaign Website

Question 1: What is the top issue you plan to address if elected?

The top issue I plan to address when elected is traffic. With more than $300 million in transportation investments we are well on our way to reducing traffic and improving the quality of life for all residents.

Question 2: The BPOL tax has been widely discussed, and even abolished, in some localities, but Prince William County still uses it to generate money. Does the BPOL tax need to be changed or abolished in Prince William County? Why or why not?

As the Woodbridge Supervisor, I voted to eliminate the BPOL tax on over 1,400 Prince William County small businesses during tough economic times. Our real challenge in Prince William is to diversify the County’s revenue and expand our commercial tax base. We have lessened the tax burden while
expediting new business applications to create a business-friendly environment here in Prince William County.

Question 3: What plans do you have in the next four years to continue the revitalization efforts of the Rt. 1 corridor?

The key to revitalization is a business friendly environment combined with government investments in our transportation infrastructure, including an expanded road, rail, water, and Metrorail. Private sector investment should focus on the four Smart Growth Town Centers including Belmont Bay, , North Woodbridge, and Harbor Station. Only with private and public cooperation can we revitalize Route 1 in the future.

Question 4: Do you support the HOT lanes? Do you think there was a better solution?

High occupancy toll lane project will add an additional dedicated lane and structured parking along the Interstate 95 corridor. My concern is whether the additional automobile traffic in the dedicated lanes will reduce speeds through the corridor, therefore I support state legislation to continuously monitor speed limits, and should speeds be reduced the owner of the HOT lanes should be required to pay an increased congestion penalty.

Question 5: Do you plan to support the protection of the Rural Crescent or do you think some changes need to be made to promote economic development?

I support the unique character of the Rural Crescent.

Question 6: Has the county's proffer system been successful or do you think changes need to be made in how government officials make developers pay for their developments?

I believe very strongly that developers should be required to pay for the impacts of their developments on our community, but we need to continuously monitor the impact of proffers on our local economy.

Question 7: What do you see as being the next step in the "New Woodbridge" vision?

The next step in the implementation of the vision of a New Woodbridge is to complete the expansion of Route 1, construct the , and complete the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail. We will then continue to fight to launch Passenger Ferry service, and extend Metrorail to Woodbridge. The final step in implementing the vision is the completion and connection of the four Smart Growth Town Centers.

Question 8: As a result of the flooding that has displaced dozens of people with no hope of rebuilding where they lived, do you plan to address low-income housing in Woodbridge?

As a member of the Board of Supervisors I have worked to update our comprehensive plan to make significant improvements to the amount of affordable housing available to Prince William County residents. An example of these efforts has been to utilize funds from the Affordable Housing Proffer
account to assist families displaced by Tropical Storm Lee with temporary housing.