John Maloney, a Richmond financial adviser, has filed to run as an independent for the 68th House of Delegates district seat held by Del. G. Manoli Loupassi, a Republican.
Though this is Maloney’s first run for elected office, he’s been a vocal advocate for legislation in recent years, including a bill that passed in 2011 to require health insurers to cover some treatments for autistic children ages 2 to 6.
Maloney says taxpayers expect better schools and better roads, and that leads to better economic development.
“I think I can bring people together and I think the legislature needs somebody from Richmond who can just stand up as an independent voice, who is always thinking about the people,” he said.
Loupassi said he has focused on trying to limit government spending, and enhancing the state’s business environment to help the economy.
“I feel like I’ve concentrated my effort to try to get people to work together,” he said, adding that he agrees transportation “is a major effort for us and it’s one where we need good leaders to try to work together and come up with a good resolution.”
Maloney, who is pro-choice, said he was “deeply disturbed” by the General Assembly’s vote on a bill mandating ultrasounds before abortions and another that overturned the state’s one handgun a month law.
The ultrasound legislation ultimately passed after it was amended to remove a provision that would have required transvaginal ultrasounds.
The 68th House district includes parts of Richmond city and Chesterfield and Henrico counties. The election is in November 2013.
