Tysons Corner is not part of the 39th Senate district, and does not even border it, but the issue of whether to build a tunnel for the planned Metro extension through that area is a major topic for the two Democrats seeking to represent the district in Richmond.
Voters will choose between Greg Galligan and George Barker in the June 12 Democratic primary. The winner will face Sen. Jay O’Brien, R-Clifton, in November’s election. The district encompasses southeastern Fairfax County and a portion of Prince William County. Galligan is an ardent supporter of changing the blueprints to include an underground tunnel through Tysons.
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“I think it is a bad idea,” he said of the plans for above-ground tracks. “I have been very upset with the whole process. This is a 100-year issue. I am someone who thinks the tunnel has to be mandatory.”
Barker, who is the vice-chairman of a Fairfax County task force that has worked on redesigning for the past two years, also supports building a tunnel but is not as steadfast as Galligan. While the tunnel is the best plan, he said, the coming Metro stations are so important that they should not be delayed because of the dispute.
“Tysons Corner has been a horrible mess but represents a wonderful opportunity,” said Barker, who is also chairman of Fairfax County’s Transportation Advisory Commission. “We need high-density development around Metro stations to reduce sprawl. Clearly a tunnel is what needs to be done. It makes sense from a transportation standpoint.”
As next Tuesday’s primary nears, both men are trying to convince district residents they are the best Democrat to help the party knock off O’Brien and gain seats in the Senate, which has traditionally been more moderate than the House of Delegates even though Republicans control both chambers.
“We have an incredibly important election,” Galligan said. “Many of us understand that the House is completely out of control. It’s run by people who are ideologues. The people of Northern Virginia want solutions.”
Democrats have had successes in picking up and holding legislative seats inside the Beltway, but have not been as strong outside of the highway, which is something Barker wants to change.
“We do have an opportunity to take control of the state Senate,” Barker said. “This is the second-most Democratic district in the state that is represented by a Republican.”
