House Delegate District 45: Jim K. Lay

Party: Democrat

Age: 39

Residence: Old Town Alexandria.

Education: BA, philosophy, MA, international transactions, JD, George Mason University.

Occupation: Attorney, the Law Offices of James K. Lay, PLLC.

Elected offices/civic activities: Former prosecutor, City of Alexandria; committee aide, U.S. Sen. John Kerry; staff, Virginia General Assembly; member, Virginia Bar; member, Alexandria Chamber of Commerce; member, Agenda Arlington; member, Alexandria Bar Association; former commonwealth's attorney representing Alexandria Economic Opportunities Commission; former member, Downtown Civic Association; former member, Public Records Advisory Commission; member, Alexandria Democratic Committee.

What do you think is the most urgent problem facing your jurisdiction?

"Fair allocation of funds. We are paying out more in taxes than we are receiving back from the state, particularly when it comes to education. The existing funding formula provides state funds as a function of property value -- the wealthier the area, the less state funding we receive. This fails to capture and address unique challenges affecting education in our area, such as educating a large international population with children from 85 nations speaking 55 different languages. The commonwealth must look at the full picture when establishing need, not simply property value. I will fight to make that happen."

Why should voters elect you?

"Endorsed by the Arlington and Alexandria police, I'm prepared with a detailed plan to make our community better for everyone, and especially for the kids."

Web site: http://www.jimlay.org/

E-mail address: jim@jimlay.org