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If elected to the Virginia House of Delegates, Stephanie Clark would turn her attention to helping rural areas.
Clark, former mayor of Covington, is running as the Democratic candidate for the newly created 37th House District.
If elected, Clark’s priorities during the 2024 General Assembly session would be bringing internet and transportation access to rural areas, and supporting behavioral health initiatives.
She also hopes to “have small meetings in the rural areas every quarter to hear the needs of local elected officials and citizens,” and to “work with small business programs to maintain and bring new business.”
In support of these aims, Clark’s budget priorities for the upcoming 2024 session would be transportation in rural areas, particularly for those who need help commuting to and from work, supporting schools, both in infrastructure and in providing technology for students, and funding for internet in rural areas.
She also wants to see, “More affordable housing,” and to “make sure our children have sufficient access to food and shelter.”
Funding for roads is another priority for Clark, specifically highways 60 and 64.
The 2023 elections will determine which party controls Virginia’s House of Delegates and the state Senate. Democratic control would, Clark believes, provide better support for local communities.
“We will continue to focus on the rural areas and become more effective in our efforts to build better communities,” she said.
Regarding abortion, Clark said, “A woman has the right to choose with counsel,” adding, “I pray for guidance in these decisions.”
Clark’s religious background ties her to area churches.
“I have served as a local pastor in Buena Vista, at First Baptist on Ivy Avenue,” she said.” I was a weekday Religious Education teacher in Alleghany County, Fathers First in Buena Vista and Lexington,” she explained.
Her political career began in her hometown of Covington, where she served on City Council for over 12 years, was vice mayor for four years, and was elected as the city’s first African-American female mayor. She also worked for the Virginia Department of Health in Craig County.
“I have experience with budgeting and appointments for boards and understand the process of government, I am concerned about our infrastructure, I have thoughts and ideas for the state, and I currently serve on several boards,” she said.
Her experience in Covington and elsewhere will, Clark believes, make her the best choice for the district.
“I care for our area — I’ve been a lifelong resident in Covington so I know the area; I know some of the people in each part of 37th District. And I would hope that on November 7th people will ‘be smart and vote for Clark!,” she said.
“I would hope that the people that are reading these answers would support me and I hope those who haven’t been voting would come out and vote and support me,” she said, adding, “Remember: It’s onward ever and backwards never!”
