By Irene Farrow (October 3, 2001)

Incumbent Delegate Jim Scott and challenger David Snyder met yesterday in George Mason Auditorium and engaged in a lively debate, adjudicated by Seniors Meghan Baer and Josh Singer. The government students of Mr. Peloquin and Mr. Pikrallidas, and voting seniors were present, as were various members of the community. 

Both candidates were given five minutes to open. Mr. Snyder, former mayor of Falls Church City, stressed that reforms in education and taxes are needed. Delegate Scott also hopes to improve education, and thinks that security is a top priority. Scott also told the audience that he at one point taught shop at George Mason for 6 weeks. 

Both candidates have campaigns in which education reform is a very important element. They also agreed upon what Scott called a "budget chaos in Richmond". This refers to the inability of the Virginia Congress to pass a new budget. Both Snyder and Scott stated that they hoped to represent Northern Virginia in Congress, and put the budget back in order to benefit the taxpayers. Snyder stated "For every $1 we [in Northern Virginia] send to Richmond, only 25 cents comes back." Both candidates hope to improve this situation. 

Snyder advocated stronger local government power, and said he dislikes Richmond trying to govern Northern Virginia from afar. Scott did not take this stance, and said that it is partisan gridlock that needs to change in the Virginia Congress. 

After opening statements, there was a question-and-answer period between candidates. Here, Scott and Snyder agreed upon conducting an non-negative advertising campaign. After questions between candidates, Snyder and Scott took questions from the audience. In that portion of the debate, questions from students ranged from the SOL’s to same-sex marriages. 

Government and history teacher Mr. Peloquin called this assembly "a great civic exercise for students to learn more about the political process in Virginia, and to practice it themselves."