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Terrence Modglin
Terry Modglin (independent) ran for election to the Virginia House of Delegates to represent District 49. He lost in the general election on November 2, 2021.
Modglin completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2021. Click here to read the survey answers.
Modglin was a 2015 Independent Green candidate for District 35 of the Virginia State Senate.[1] Modglin was a 2013 Green Party candidate for District 49 of the Virginia House of Delegates.[2]
Biography
Modglin earned a B.A. from Georgetown University and an M.P.A. from American University. Modglin's professional experience includes working as an Army officer, as a national non-profit program manager and CEO, as a legislative director, as a consulting firm CEO, and as a retail worker. He served in the U.S. Army from December 1968 to January 1973. Modglin has served as a member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 10723, as a member of the Woodlake Towers Condominium Association Board of Directors, as a member of the Border Patrol Foundation Board of Directors, as a volunteer youth basketball coach for Falls Church, Virginia, Parks and Recreation, and with the 173d Airborne Brigade Association Sigholtz-Capital Chapter.[3]
Elections
2021
See also: Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2021
General election
General election for Virginia House of Delegates District 49
Incumbent Alfonso Lopez defeated Timothy Kilcullen and Terry Modglin in the general election for Virginia House of Delegates District 49 on November 2, 2021.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Alfonso Lopez (D) | 76.5 | 19,799 |
 | Timothy Kilcullen (R)  | 19.4 | 5,013 | |
 | Terry Modglin (Independent) | 3.9 | 1,004 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.2 | 52 | ||
| Total votes: 25,868 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Virginia House of Delegates District 49
Incumbent Alfonso Lopez defeated Karishma Mehta in the Democratic primary for Virginia House of Delegates District 49 on June 8, 2021.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Alfonso Lopez | 70.5 | 4,936 |
 | Karishma Mehta | 29.5 | 2,065 | |
| Total votes: 7,001 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Timothy Kilcullen advanced from the Republican primary for Virginia House of Delegates District 49.
2019
See also: Virginia House of Delegates elections, 2019
General election
General election for Virginia House of Delegates District 49
Incumbent Alfonso Lopez defeated Terry Modglin in the general election for Virginia House of Delegates District 49 on November 5, 2019.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Alfonso Lopez (D) | 83.4 | 13,594 |
| Terry Modglin (Independent) | 15.7 | 2,559 | |
| Other/Write-in votes | 0.9 | 140 | ||
| Total votes: 16,293 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
Democratic primary election
Democratic primary for Virginia House of Delegates District 49
Incumbent Alfonso Lopez defeated Julius Spain Sr. in the Democratic primary for Virginia House of Delegates District 49 on June 11, 2019.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ | | Alfonso Lopez | 77.1 | 5,024 |
 | Julius Spain Sr. | 22.9 | 1,489 | |
| Total votes: 6,513 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
| If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey. | ||||
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team. | ||||
2015
- See also: Virginia State Senate elections, 2015
Elections for the Virginia State Senate took place in 2015. A primary election was held on June 9, 2015. The general election took place on November 3, 2015. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was March 26, 2015.[4] Incumbent Dick Saslaw was unopposed in the Democratic primary. No Republican candidates filed for election. Terry Modglin (Independent Green) ran as a third party candidate. Saslaw defeated Modglin in the general election.[5]
| Virginia State Senate, District 35 General Election, 2015 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic |  Dick Saslaw Incumbent |
75.6% | 18,754 | |
| Independent Green | Terry Modglin | 24.4% | 6,055 | |
| Total Votes | 24,809 | |||
2013
Modglin ran in the 2013 election for Virginia House of Delegates District 49. He was defeated by incumbent Alfonso Lopez (D) in the general election on November 5, 2013.[6]
| Virginia House of Delegates, District 49 General Election, 2013 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Party | Candidate | Vote % | Votes | |
| Democratic | Alfonso Lopez Incumbent |
78% | 13,087 | |
| Green | Terrence Modglin | 20.9% | 3,505 | |
| Other | Write-in | 1.1% | 191 | |
| Total Votes | 16,783 | |||
Campaign themes
2021
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Terry Modglin completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2021. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Modglin's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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- The first duty of government is the protection of its people. The police exist to protect and to serve our people. We must maintain qualified immunity for police while working to reform police practices with credible and competent but not intrusive oversight.
- If we do not protect the physical environment and or pevent its deterioration, it will be our constant menace.
- Life is the first inalienable right. The unborn deserve the protection of that right.
Human life exists in a woman's womb from conception and can be detected as early as six weeks. This is a scientific fact. How we treat the most vulnerable in our society - the unborn, the elderly, the disabled - is a measure of our humanity and how we live the precepts of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" in our Declaration of Independence. When they cannot speak for themselves, we must be their voice and advocate. We must defend the unborn.
We cannot ignore the environmental signs that threaten the quality of life for everyone across the globe - rising temperatures, rising sea-levels, forest fires, floods, famine. We are the stewards of our environment given us by our Creator. We must have collective-government policy to protect and enhance our environment while doing everything we can individually.
Our youth are too often overlooked in making policy. They who will run the world in a short time. We need a youth development policy.
I also look up to the founders of our nation, whose wisdom and rectitude have much to do with the republic that has served us well in the succeeding years. How can I not revere Abraham Lincoln, whose character brought us through the threat to trhe very existence of our nation.
Max Weber's essay on Politics as a Vocation is also instructive as to the challenges faced of being an elected offical in a democracy.
An official should also be committed to the principles of our democratic republic or be clear if they are not so committed - fair and free elections, separation of powers of the federal government, the federal system, recognition of individual rights.
I am a hard worker. I will do my homework and vote and act responsibly.
I believe in working with all willing legislators. I respect my colleagues and their commitment to public service.
I can build relationships with fellow legislators and with constituents in my District. I poride myself in being able to communicate with people of alkl economic levels.
That responsibility begins with a responsible state budget, knowing that the commitments being made can be fulfilled without creating a later crisis.
Second, a legisaltor must stay in touch with their constituency and understand their needs and aspirations.
Third, a legislator must do his or her homework, that is, study the issues before them, and use that information and understanding to make good decisons on votes and to oversee operations of the executive branch in areas in which they as legislators develop special expertise.
A state budget that is sustainable in the long run.
A business and economic sector that is vibrant.
An educational system that is second to none.
"The Virginia Way" describes the compromise path of governance that has led Virginia to be one of the strongest states in our country. The nationalization of electoral politics threatens to destroy that. It is my hope that voters will focus on the facts and the issues, not on the attack messages that the parties have been featuring in the media. Very destructive of trust in government.
Impolitic but memorable.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
2019
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Terry Modglin completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2019. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Modglin's responses.
What would be your top three priorities, if elected?
Maintain protection for pre-born babies Reduce carbon emissions to avert climate crisis Reduce homicides and suicides by firearms
What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Pro-life legislation Legislation affecting youth Criminal justice
Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?
Harry Truman, Paul Ryan, George Herbert Walker Bush, John McCain, Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, Peter Drucker, Pope Francis, George C. Marshall
Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?
Max Weber - Politics as a Vocation Hard Call - John McCain The Road to Character - David Brooks The Federalist Papers
What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?
Positive thinking Finding principle in Compromise Caring, listening and empathy Work ethic
What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?
Determination Work ethic Experience at all socioeconomic levels of society Wide range of reading and knowledge Viewing things from the future
What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?
Serious attention to legislative provisions Understanding constituent concerns and meeting with them and hearing them
What legacy would you like to leave?
A pro-life Virginia Carbon-free energy for Virginia A structure for healthy development of youth Higher educational standards and a path to critical jobs for youth
What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?
Korean War - age 4-7
What was your very first job? How long did you have it?
Selling newspaper on the corner starting in 6th grade and then on Saturday Night paper route - ended when I was struck by a car coming off the Saturday Night route and ended up in a leg cast for six months - junior year in high school
What happened on your most awkward date?
Driving around the same highway in Nashville several times before I could get my date to the destination.
What is your favorite holiday? Why?
A tie -George Washington's Birthday because I started a club to celebrate his birthday at age 8 and made my siblings and friends attend the party. Labor Day - remembering listening to baseball games on the radio and now working them Christmas - Midnight Mass
What is your favorite book? Why?
The Bible - it is my mandate, framework, and mission.
If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?
Don Quixote
What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?
My books
What was the last song that got stuck in your head?
It's Twilight Time
What is something that has been a struggle in your life?
Being on time
Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?
The smaller population in a House District compared to the Senate District. The larger number of colleagues in the House of Delegates
Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?
Very much so, to discern the motives of colleagues, to understand the process of legislation, and to help innovate in developing legislative provisions and options.
What do you perceive to be your state’s greatest challenges over the next decade?
Climate change. Terrorism, given the close proximity of the federal government, is a close second.
What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature?
The governor and the state legislature should work together in developing legislative solutions that can be effectively implemented.
Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.
No doubt it is beneficial to develop strong relationships with colleagues. You cannot know everything in an age where specialization is required. You sometimes must trust what your colleagues say in making a decision. Secondly, the respect of others is critical in getting attention and approval of your legislative priorities.
What process do you favor for redistricting?
A legislative commission consisting half of legislators and one-half of citizens experienced in public life.
If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?
Crime and Justice Municipal jurisdictions Government organization and oversight
Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?
No.
Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?
The most emotional have been those women who made decisions about abortion The most inspiring have been the road to citizenship for immigrants.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
Ballotpedia biographical submission form
The candidate completed Ballotpedia's biographical information submission form:
| “ | What is your political philosophy?
I decided to run for office when Democrats in the latest House of Delegates attempted to repeal state restrictions on late-term abortions. I want to assure that current protections of the pre-born are maintained and expanded to include the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. More than that, I want to keep Virginia as a 'working' state with economic vitality but more importantly as a state government that encourages virtue rather than inviting vice. Is there anything you would like to add? I am not taking any PAC or corporate contributions though I am not sure any would want to give to me because I value a direct line to the people of the 49th District.[7] |
” |
| —Terrence Modglin[3] | ||
Campaign website
Modglin's campaign Facebook page stated the following:
| “ |
Protecting the Lives of the Unborn Life is a precious gift. Protecting the lives of unborn children honors that gift. The right to life is one of the foundational freedoms of our country. The Democrat push in the last General Assembly to remove restrictions on late-term abortions is a cruel and callous assault on the right to life of the pre-born. That push included doing away with the ultrasound requirement, which provides an opportunity for the prospective mother to see the life in her womb. We must not allow Virginia to adapt the horrible laws that New York and other states are implementing that take away all protections of babies in the womb. Further, Virginia should prohibit abortion of pre-born babies who can feel pain and prohibit selective abortion altogether based on race, sex, or disability. Our society can be judged on the basis of whether we respect the lives of the most vulnerable, defenseless, and voiceless. What are the implications down the road for the vulnerable elderly when life becomes so disposable? In a continuing effort to reduce abortions, Virginia should bolster resources for adoption and foster care. Protecting Our Endangered Environment We are the stewards of our earth. While we recognize that we must begin to think globally, we must act locally – and statewide. If we do not protect the quality of our air, water, and food, who will? What we take from the earth, how we take it, and how we use it are issues that affect that long-term viability of our species. What can the Commonwealth of Virginia do? We can support public transportation, tax credits for use of solar and wind power, more walkable and bikeable communities (with traffic protections), and incentives for research that will make Virginia one of the nation’s green leaders. Virginia's unique geographic situation and its leadership in technology provide an opportunity to enhance the welfare of Virginians and can be a gift to the world as well. Public Safety Public safety is a core responsibility of the Commonwealth and of local government as its agent. It is necessary to recognize and engage other partners in addition to law enforcement, including state agencies that can contribute to public safety (such as state police, mental health professionals, drug abuse prevention experts, highway operations, and education). Experience has shown that comprehensive approaches using community policing, problem-solving, and community engagement, as well as involving multiple agencies of the government can dramatically reduce crime. Similarly, when law enforcement and other community-focused agencies work with such private sector organizations as neighborhood associations, condominium and rental community associations, churches, and businesses can result in powerful partnerships to prevent and reduce crime and address community challenges that may be linked with crime. Youth development initiatives (programs to help young people build skills and explore their strengths) can both deter young people from crime and help them extricate themselves from troubling situations. Positive, structured programs of this type should be available to the significant majority of youth in our communities. These programs should develop youth leadership and provide skills training that each youth can excel in. These programs also need to be grounded in the day-to-day environments and experiences of youth and engage youth in the program and its processes. As your Delegate, I will recruit a youth advisory board to help inform me about interests of youth and about the issues and challenges facing them, as well as to help them develop positive leadership skills. The Commonwealth should, without infringing on citizen rights to have a firearm for self- defense in the home, use a number of tools to limit the presence and use of firearms, particularly by criminals, those with a propensity to violence, and/or youth. Such tools include a range of actions from regulation of all sales to longer prison sentences for using a gun in a crime to mandatory background checks on all purchasers of firearms, no matter where or how they purchased their weapons, to “red flag” laws that allow family members to have firearms removed. Virginia needs to ensure that it effectively collaborates with other states and with Federal authorities to halt such threats as interstate gangs, firearms smuggling, armed criminal gangs (including drug cartels and sales forces) and illegal firearms sales. All licensed or non-licensed firearm dealers should conduct a national instant criminal background check prior to any firearm sales or transfers, including the sales or transfers of any firearm at a gun show. Appropriate penalties should apply for violations. A person should be held civilly liable for injury to a person or property of another or for unlawful death resulting from the use of a firearm in the commission of a crime, if it can be shown by clear evidence that the firearm came into possession of the offender because of the failure of the gun owner to effectively secure the firearm from theft or unauthorized possession. Virginia residents should not be able to buy ammunition online nor should it be lawful for Virginia-based firearms dealers to sell online. Ammunition ordered over the Internet should be delivered in a face-to-face transaction with a firearms dealer. The purchaser should go through a background check prior to acquiring the ammunition. The circumstances in which firearms may be owned and held vary greatly from one local Virginia jurisdiction to another. The governing body of any county or chartered city should have the authority to adopt local ordinances regulating the sale of firearms and ammunition in their localities. It should be unlawful to carry firearms into a local public meeting, except for law enforcement officers and/or qualified, registered armed security personnel whose duty it is to protect participants at the meeting as determined by the local government. Open carrying at these meetings by private citizens is intended to and simply intimidates the public, wastes law enforcement resources, and increases the risk of injury and death due to the accidental or intentional use of firearms. Because there are hundreds of millions of firearms in this country, and so many are stolen or trafficked by unscrupulous sellers, these advances, even when combined with other needs such as mental health reforms, are unlikely to stop the mass murder shootings that the country has been experiencing. The common-sense reforms will gradually whittle down the number of homicides and suicides, however. Virginia needs to enact so-called “dram shop” laws, which establish at least partial liability for bars, restaurants, and other places that serve alcohol to customers who come into the establishment drunk or are served so much alcohol that they become drunk. These businesses should be held liable for their role(s) in death, injury, or property damage caused by the person who leaves the premises and drives drunk when the driver’s condition was or should have been obviously hazardous to the drunk driver and any drivers or pedestrians in his or her way. When society sleeps on evident and potentially explosive problems, the rule of law is eventually jeopardized. Such is the case with the crisis at the Southwest Border and illegal immigration. The very large number of unaccompanied children coming across that border will end up in communities like ours. We know the tragic results when youth are disconnected from family and the costs that local government must bear. The immigration crisis is not our fault but it becomes part of our problem, for services, taxes, and community integration. Immigrants have been the lifeblood of the development of our country, but ignoring illegal immigration undercuts the legal system. Failure to deal with the problems of large numbers of illegal persons entering the country at the federal level is and will have a significant effect on state governments and our communities. While it only makes sense to engage all youth in advancing their education, becoming involved in positive activity, and integrating into their community, the current trend in which illegal immigrants are a larger number than legal ones cannot persist. Promoting Community Engagement Founding Father Thomas Jefferson, a Virginian, observed that “Information is the currency of democracy.” That currency is often in short supply today. Too many people know too little about what governments are doing for them, to them, or in their names. Too many are unaware of changes in civic structures; too few engage in making the changes they want and need. I pledge to inform constituents as often as possible and to meet at least annually with my constituents in each of the 17 precincts of this 49th Legislative District. Health Care Medicaid expansion helps Virginia’s citizens and health care systems as the expanded primary and preventive care can help eliminate waste brought about by emergency room visits and the availability of better funding will deliver better quality health care to Virginians who otherwise cannot afford it. As hospitals struggle financially and aging patients need greater hospital and long-term care, it is imperative that residency programs are expanded in order to train more doctors as well as bolster assistance for current practitioners to alleviate the pressure on hospitals. It is also worthwhile to consider new types of positions for long-term care, if it is possible to do so at reasonable cost and with effective supervision. With the increased availability of health insurance and the increasing numbers of aging population, the need for more primary care practitioners must be addressed as soon as possible if quality health care is to be maintained, let alone improved. This includes, of course, training of nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and other health professionals to meet demand and limit costs. Nurse practitioners should be able to provide a greater range of care than they are presently allowed. Health care systems should reward quality of care, not merely quantity. The current fee-for-service system incentivizes unnecessary (or overly costly) tests and procedures. A system in which health care providers are compensated based on results and on prevention-focused medical care, as well as sound patient education, offers one way to support effective, preventive care. This strategy will reduce costs faced by chronically ill patients, reduce emergency room visits, and make health care in Virginia more cost-effective. Making Quality Education Available to All Education is a key to the future both for children and adults. Every child, regardless of race, background, socioeconomic status, or geographic location, deserves an exceptional education that will prepare him or her for higher education and maximize the potential of the workforce of tomorrow. Children need to be equipped to develop their talents to the utmost and find careers that make the best use of their talents for both themselves and their communities. We need to recognize that adults may need continuing education to update skills, equip themselves to deal with emerging technologies, and enable them to adapt to new career opportunities. We should encourage innovative formats for education, including charter schools. We must continue the tax credit for those who give to qualified private and religious schools because that expands choice leverages the resources of parents and communities. We must invest in strategies to help children who are economically disadvantaged and assist children who are physically and/or mentally challenged. Family financial needs sometimes cause young people to drop out of school to the detriment of their futures. We need to find educationally sound ways to allow these young people to help their families learning for their futures. These young people can be – and generally want to be -- productive citizens. Our investments in literacy, mathematics, history, and other key subject pay enormous dividends. These investments need to include meeting needs of physically and intellectually challenged young people as well. Lack of education costs everyone – not just the youth involved, not just his or her family, but each of us. We can ill afford to waste our children’s talents or squander opportunities for them to succeed. Teachers who work to meet students’ needs while helping them maximize their potential, who not only teach but coach and mentor, and whose students exceed expectations should be rewarded, because their work not only enhances current performance but builds a brighter future for both youth and their communities. These teachers inspire, inform, and encourage young people. They build intellectual, emotional, and physical capacities and lay foundations for lifelong learning, which many experts see as the key to our future as a Commonwealth and a nation. Virginia’s state-sponsored university and college system is among the strengths of the Commonwealth. Standards for this system should be maintained or enhanced, and the system should continue to sustain strong teaching institutions. This major asset should continue to play a vital role in preparing Virginia’s young people for the jobs of the future in the Commonwealth even as it attracts students from other states and countries. Young people should not only be academically prepared for higher education, but they should also be able to afford it, which means that tuition levels must be kept in check and scholarship aid must continue or grow. Grade schools need to use a wider range of technologies to serve a diverse student population, to improve academic standards, and to provide affordable education while maintaining standards, accountability, and community connection. New technologies can help make education more cost effective while preparing students for work in a world more dominated by technology. The value of good-quality pre-kindergarten education is well documented. Every child deserves access to this introduction to learning. If thoughtfully prepared and properly executed, these programs lay a lifelong foundation of skills and know-how. Such programs must be grounded in tested, effective practices and strategies and must be taught by well-prepared instructors. The Common Core Standards for education have been developed with input by both public and private sector organizations. They set standards for moving education forward while preserving key learning processes. They should continue to be used as a reference point for academic goals and achievement in the Commonwealth. Programs that develop multiple pathways combining academic and work experience are an excellent educational strategy, especially for those who may not seek four-year college degrees. Community colleges (providing terminal programs as well as links to higher education opportunities) can be extraordinary resources both for higher education of all sorts. Providing academic credit for volunteer activities can offer excellent opportunities for young people to try out career paths and for older workers to test possible career changes. Night and weekend classes as well as on-site classes sponsored by employers can help workers maintain and upgrade their skills or explore new skills. Parental involvement and support are keys to educational achievement especially for young people. Schools and school systems need to develop 21st-century initiatives to increase parents’ connection with their children’s education, including videos, projects that involve parents (and other family members) and even neighborhoods, as well as electronic links. Regular communication with parents using email, voicemail, and other up-to-date strategies (especially those that go directly to parents instead of getting lost in students’ backpacks) need to be a key part of the system. Support can and should go beyond a recitation of grades or behaviors. For example, there is nothing wrong with suggesting family-based activities that can link to classroom work. State-level assessment of Virginia’s schools is an important means to improve achievement statewide. These assessments (“grading”) must be fair and relevant. They must account equitably for various challenges facing the schools in question. For example, fair recognition should be given to the achievements of students who do not currently speak English as their primary language and to progress by children with documented learning challenges. Employment Building a 21st century economy requires recognition of the changes that have taken place and continue to do so throughout the Old Dominion (and indeed the nation). Shifts in sector growth and in industries phasing out, the emergence of sustainable “green jobs” in a number of categories, increased reliance on computer skills beyond “typewriting electronically,” – these are just some of the skills and capacities that Virginia must help its citizens gain or improve in order to enhance their ability to provide to the 21st century economy. Connecting schools, business sectors, and state and local agencies that can address the shifting face of today’s economy is critical to ensuring Virginia’s continued economic vitality. Wage levels are another challenge that Virginia must face. In urban and suburban areas, there is no question that the current minimum wage is too low, especially if the wage earner has a family. It is arguable that the current minimum wage is too low in many less-populated areas as well. A $12.50 per hour minimum wage should be the base requirement, with exceptions for temporary, agricultural and teen employment. One interesting option – job sharing – could provide more employment opportunity for younger workers while enabling senior workers to reduce their work hours but still pass along their legacies of skills and expertise to younger generations. Virginia (like many other states) needs to develop ways to increase emphasis on job training both on and off the job. Unemployment should be addressed by increasing emphasis on on-the-job training and encouragement of entrepreneurship rather than long stints on unemployment compensation. A system of flexible assistance could be less expensive, especially because compensation would be adjusted downward as work-related earnings increase. Transportation Transportation, especially in Virginia’s urban areas, has become a morass of congestion, pollution, and frustration. There is no question that transportation snarls affect commuters, businesses that rely on highways and city streets to meet customer needs, and even the safety of children going to and from school – not just occasionally but on a daily basis. Increased financial support for mass transit alternatives, including study of and progress as merited on Metrorail service between East Falls Church and Pentagon City with potential stations at the Seven Corners Area and Skyline, will boost the economic future of the Arlington-Seven Corners Area and reduce congestion. But addressing transportation issues also means upgrading major highways and improving traffic circulation on various local and regional secondary roads, as well as enhancing bus transportation throughout the region. In high-traffic areas, there is considerable work to be done in improving pedestrian safety. Arlington has one of the best bicycle path systems in the region and use rates that are among the highest in the metropolitan area – possibly in the nation. Improvements for bicycle traffic along the main traffic corridors in Arlington and Fairfax Counties should be a priority, as well, especially in linking bike riders to existing trails. Early-age licensing of drivers is associated with higher rates of fatal car crashes. Increasing the qualifications for learners’ permits from 15 years and 6 months to 16 years can help reduce injury and fatal crashes among this group. Statistical evidence shows that reducing the number of teens allowed in a car driven by a teen reduces the odds of fatal incidents. The number of non-family passengers under the age of 21 in a car driven by a teen should be restricted to one person. Young people who are driving on restricted licenses should not be permitted to have any non-family passengers under 21 in their vehicles. To reduce the number of incidents of driving through red lights and to increase safety in light-controlled intersections, Virginia should increase the number of red-light cameras in these intersections. However, the light and camera timing should allow adequate time for drivers to pass through intersections on yellow lights. Revenues from camera-detected violations should be placed in a trust-style fund for traffic safety rather than in local jurisdictions’ general revenue streams. The statute that makes texting while driving a primary rather than secondary offense will significantly reduce vehicular crashes and fatalities in Virginia by keeping drivers’ attention on safety in traffic. It should be vigorously enforced. Impaired driving – whether because of alcohol or medication or use of illicit drugs – needs to be treated by law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and the courts as the serious threat to public safety that it is. Virginia needs to develop a “dram shop” law, which holds bars and restaurants (and other places that serve alcohol) to a degree of liability if the facility allows a drunk person to drive off. Other states have these and many mandate intensive server training to help prevent deaths – the drunk driver’s death or those of others. Older drivers (65 and over) experience fatal crashes at a rate second only to that of teen drivers. In the interest of both older drivers and the general public, Virginia should move to a system that requires more frequent checks of the visual acuity and reaction times of older drivers. Drawing Legislative District Boundaries Too many legislative district boundaries for state and federal elective office give the appearance, if not the fact, of being drawn to protect incumbents or parties rather than to equalize representation. In some cases, these districts verge on the ridiculous. Since 2013 I have advocated that Virginia establish an independent, permanent commission consisting of a mix of members of political parties and independent persons with experience in politics – with appointments going to persons who have not been actively involved in politics for at least five years. Commission members should serve terms that create overlap to ensure continuity. Appointments should be made only after public announcement of candidates, with a period of public review and comment. Legislative districts should not be gerrymandered to guarantee re-election of incumbents or continued political party dominance. Authorizing Initiatives, Referenda, and Similar Actions Numerous states have already established the right of their citizens to propose legislation and present it for the electorate’s consideration. These actions – frequently termed initiatives or referenda – represent democracy at its roots. Virginia presently does not offer its citizens any opportunity to generate legislative direction, even if a substantial majority seek to do so. Virginia should offer its citizens the opportunity to play a more direct democratic role in law and governance. The state should form a commission to study the range of citizen-generated legislative actions in use today and hold public hearings on these concepts as well as conducting educational outreach. The commission should have one or more fixed reporting dates and produce a final report on its work and research findings as well as its recommendations for legislative action to establish this citizens’ right.[7] |
” |
| —Terry Modglin's campaign Facebook page (2019)[8] | ||
2013
Modglin’s website highlighted the following campaign themes:[9]
- Community Engagement
Excerpt: "Founding Father Thomas Jefferson, a Virginian, observed that “Information is the currency of democracy.” That currency is often in short supply today. Too many people know too little about what governments are doing for them, to them, or in their names. Too many are unaware of changes in civic structures; too few engage in making the changes they want and need. I pledge to inform constituents as often as possible and to meet at least annually with my constituents in each of the 17 precincts of this 49th Legislative District."
- Education
Excerpt: " Children need to be equipped to develop their talents to the utmost and find careers that make the best use of their talents for both themselves and their communities. We need to recognize that adults may need continuing education to update skills, equip themselves to deal with emerging technologies, and enable them to adapt to new career opportunities. We must invest in strategies to help children who are economically disadvantaged and assist children who are physically and/or mentally challenged."
- Public Safety
Excerpt: "Experience has shown that comprehensive approaches using community policing, problem-solving, and community engagement, as well as involving multiple agencies of the government can dramatically reduce crime. Similarly, when law enforcement and other community-focused agencies work with such private sector organizations as neighborhood associations, condominium and rental community associations, churches, and businesses can result in powerful partnerships to prevent and reduce crime and address community challenges that may be linked with crime."
- Transportation
Excerpt: "Increased financial support for mass transit alternatives, including study of and progress as merited on Metrorail service between East Falls Church and Pentagon City with potential stations at the Seven Corners Area and Skyline, will boost the economic future of the Arlington-Seven Corners Area and reduce congestion. But addressing transportation issues also means upgrading major highways and improving traffic circulation on various local and regional secondary roads, as well as enhancing bus transportation throughout the region."
- Employment
Excerpt: "In urban and suburban areas, there is no question that the current minimum wage is too low, especially if the wage earner has a family. It is arguable that the current minimum wage is too low in many less-populated areas as well. A ten-dollar per hour minimum wage should be the base requirement, with exceptions for temporary, agricultural and teen employment."
Personal
Note: Please contact us if the personal information below requires an update.
Modglin has two children.[10]
See also
2021 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Virginia Department of Elections, "Official general election candidate list," accessed June 24, 2015
- ↑ Virginia State Board of Elections, "2013 Official Candidates List for House of Delegates by District," accessed July 11, 2013
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Information submitted on Ballotpedia’s biographical information submission form on August 9, 2019
- ↑ Virginia State Board of Elections, "2015 November Election Calendar," accessed January 2, 2015
- ↑ Virginia Board of Elections, "2015 General election candidates," accessed August 21, 2015
- ↑ Virginia Board of Elections, “Official Results - 2013 General Election," accessed December 2, 2013
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
- ↑ Facebook, “About - Terry Modglin for Virginia House of Delegates 2019,” accessed August 16, 2019
- ↑ Terrence Modglin, "Platform of Terry Modglin," accessed September 4, 2013
- ↑ Project Vote Smart, "Terrence Modglin - Biography," accessed September 4, 2013
