House of Delegates District 35: Edward M. Robinson

Party: Republican

Age: 41

Residence: Vienna.

Education: BA, English, Bucknell University. Pursued graduate studies in American government, Georgetown University.

Occupation: President, Ten Talents Resources Inc.

Elected offices/civic activities: Member, Bucknell University Board of Trustees; patient services volunteer, Capital Hospices (formerly the Hospices of Northern Virginia); high school and youth football referee, Washington region.

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

"The biggest issue is not transportation, education or taxes, although those are important; the real problem is an erosion of faith in our public institutions. There is no easy fix, but one thing we can do is to level with the electorate on tough issues. Another thing we can do is to lower the temperature in our public debate. We should agree to disagree and not let the personal overwhelm the political. Just as we teach our children not to hate others because of skin color or accent, so we should not teach them to hate their political opponents."

Why should voters elect you?

"We need a fresh approach and new ideas to deal with the seemingly intractable problems facing Northern Virginia. That's what I'll bring to the job."

Web site: http://www.robinson2005.com/

E-mail address: ed@robinson2005.com