My name is Mario D. Haggerty, and I'm a 22-year Navy Veteran. I'm running for House of Delegates—District 67 to help you address some significant and timely issues that directly impact both local and national concerns.
Northern Neck Policy Plan
Building a Sustainable and Prosperous Future
Economic Development and Job Creation
Problem: The Northern Neck has a largely rural economy with limited job opportunities outside agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Many young professionals leave for better opportunities, leading to economic stagnation.
Solutions:
Small Business & Eco-Tourism Grants: Offer incentives and micro-loans for local entrepreneurs, particularly in eco-tourism, sustainable agriculture, and technology-based remote work.
Local Business Incubators: Partner with universities and business organizations to create co-working spaces and training programs for new businesses.
Infrastructure Investment: Improve broadband internet and transportation to attract remote workers and small businesses to the region.
Implementation:
Secure grants from the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program and federal environmental initiatives.
Partner with conservation groups to educate property owners on flood-resistant building techniques.
Launch apprenticeship and internship programs with local businesses to retain young talent.
Healthcare Access and Rural Health Services
Problem: Many rural residents in the Northern Neck struggle with access to healthcare due to a shortage of medical facilities and providers, leading to higher rates of untreated chronic conditions.
Solutions:
Telemedicine Expansion: Increase investment in telehealth services to connect patients with specialists without requiring long-distance travel.
Mobile Health Clinics: Establish mobile healthcare units that travel to remote areas, providing routine checkups, vaccinations, and urgent care.
Workforce Development: Offer scholarships and incentives for medical professionals who commit to working in the region for a set number of years.
Implementation:
Advocate for state funding and healthcare grants to expand rural health services.
Partner with hospitals, universities, and non-profits to deploy mobile clinics.
Work with Virginia health agencies to expand Medicaid and mental health support for underserved populations.
Environmental Protection and Coastal Resilience
Problem: The Northern Neck is vulnerable to flooding, shoreline erosion, and rising sea levels, threatening homes, farmland, and maritime industries.
Solutions:
Shoreline Protection & Living Shorelines: Expand the use of oyster reefs, marsh restoration, and natural barriers to reduce coastal erosion.
Sustainable Fishing & Farming Practices: Provide resources and incentives for farmers and fishermen to adopt eco-friendly practices that reduce pollution and protect marine life.
Stronger Land Use Policies: Enforce zoning laws that prevent overdevelopment in high-risk flood areas while promoting conservation efforts.
Implementation:
Secure grants from the Virginia Coastal Zone Management Program and federal environmental initiatives.
Partner with conservation groups to educate property owners on flood-resistant building techniques.
Develop a regional climate action plan to guide policies on land use, water management, and disaster preparedness.
Conclusion: This policy plan aims to create economic growth, environmental sustainability, and better healthcare access for the Northern Neck. By prioritizing local investment, climate resilience, and healthcare expansion, we can ensure a brighter future for the region.
National Policy Plan
Protecting Rural Communities, Strengthening Our Workforce, and Securing Our Future
Strengthening Public Education for Rural Communities
Issue: Defunding Public Schools
Public schools in rural Virginia are already struggling due to limited resources, lower student populations, and financial constraints. Defunding these schools would lead to overcrowded classrooms, fewer educational materials, and underpaid teachers, making it harder for students to compete in a global economy.
Problem: Threat to Future Workforce Readiness
Without adequate funding, rural students will have fewer opportunities to succeed, limiting their career prospects in both military and civilian sectors. A weakened education system reduces the ability of communities to develop a skilled workforce, leading to economic stagnation.
Solution: Invest in Public Education and Teacher Support
Advocate for equitable funding for rural schools to ensure students receive quality education, regardless of their ZIP code.
Support higher teacher salaries and resources to attract and retain quality educators.
Promote technical and vocational training programs that prepare students for careers in industries vital to local economies.
Fair Trade Policies That Protect Rural Farmers
Issue: Impact of Tariffs on Rural Economies
Tariffs on imported goods raise the cost of essential agricultural materials while disrupting trade relationships that rural farmers depend on to sell their products.
Problem: Increased Costs and Reduced Market Access for Farmers
When tariffs increase the prices of farming equipment, fertilizers, and exported goods, rural farmers are hit hardest. Many rely on international markets to sell their crops, and restrictive trade policies could drive down profits, leading to financial hardship.
Solution: Balanced Trade Policies That Prioritize Local Producers
Advocate for fair trade agreements that protect American farmers while keeping costs manageable.
Work with agricultural experts to ensure that trade policies benefit local producers and do not drive them out of business.
Provide state and federal assistance to farmers impacted by trade disruptions.
Preserving Agricultural Support Programs
Issue: Defunding USAID for Farmers and Agriculture
Federal programs such as USAID provide essential resources to farmers, improving agricultural techniques, offering financial assistance, and opening global markets for American products.
Problem: Economic Instability in Rural Areas and Food Insecurity
Cutting USAID funding would reduce support for farmers, leading to lower crop yields, economic hardship, and increased food costs for everyday Americans. Additionally, diminishing the U.S.‘s role in global agriculture weakens America’s leadership in farming innovations.
Solution: Secure Funding for Agricultural Programs
Advocate for continued federal investment in agricultural research and technology.
Support farmers’ access to financial aid and subsidies that help them compete in the market.
Ensure America remains a leader in sustainable agriculture and food security at home and abroad.
Protecting Federal Jobs and Essential Services
Issue: Dismantling the Federal Government and Its Impact on Federal Workers
Federal agencies provide stable jobs, economic security, and essential services to rural communities, including veterans and defense workers in Virginia.
Problem: Job Losses and Economic Decline in Federal Workforces
Efforts to shrink or dismantle federal programs could result in significant job losses, particularly in communities reliant on federal employment, such as Dahlgren, where workers support national defense efforts.
Solution: Protect and Strengthen Federal Employment Opportunities
Defend federal jobs vital to rural communities and national security.
Ensure veterans working in government positions are not left behind.
Oppose reckless cuts that would weaken services for military families, farmers, and small businesses.
A Commitment to Working Families, Veterans, and Rural America
As a 22-year Navy veteran, family man, and working-class rural American, I understand the challenges our communities face. My policies are rooted in strengthening education, protecting rural economies, supporting farmers, and securing federal jobs that keep our nation safe and prosperous.
As your representative, I will:
Stand up for public education and ensure our schools receive the funding they need.
Defend rural farmers and watermen from harmful trade policies and funding cuts.
Support federal workers and veterans whose jobs and services keep our communities running.
Advocate for policies that create economic stability and opportunities for all Virginians.
Together, we can build a sustainable and prosperous future for rural Virginia and America!