John Sitka

"Having experienced the hardships firsthand, Dr. Sitka is driven by empathy, creativity, and critical thinking to break barriers and build a better future for not just himself and his family, but for all working families in the district. His journey has been one of resilience and determination, as he served in the Navy from 1974, teaching adult education as part of his service duties. After retiring as Chief Quartermaster in 1994, he embarked on a new career as a merchant mariner."

"Anyone who recently bought everyday commodities such as a home or a new car or appliances, groceries, and gasoline and paid an electrical bill realizes that the actual rate of Inflation has increased by more than 40% from 2021. Yes, last month's inflation rate was 3.4%, but most Americans are unaware it is added to what you are already paying. It just means that the inflation rate is still high, but now it is an additional 3.4%. Remember that Inflation is the unseen tax on the American people, especially a heavy burden on the Poor and Middle class. In practical terms, that $100 basket of groceries you bought in 2021 will now cost you $140 today for the same items if they are still on the shelf."

"Regarding immigration, the Federal Government should have the United States as its focus. Cartels have operational control of our southern border, and their violence is permeating into our communities far away from the borders, including Virginia. These cartels are responsible for human sex trafficking, which includes children, both boys, and girls, the fentanyl crisis, importing violent gangs and criminals, causing the deaths of many innocent Americans, and perpetrating immense suffering on those trying to cross the borders."

"As a retired Navy veteran, I am also aware of the obstacles that many veterans deal with when trying to establish their VA disabilities and the overwhelming bureaucracy. Many veterans have automatically had their claims rejected despite having copies of their medical records from active duty proving their service connection to their disability. They shouldn't have to wait so many years to be heard by a judge."

"I firmly believe that the Constitution is as relevant today as it was the day it was written. The first ten amendments of the Constitution, "The Bill of Rights," were meant to protect the American people from the overreach of government laws and regulations. While on active duty, I swore an oath that I would support and defend the Constitution from all enemies, foreign and domestic. My oath has not expired."

"Regardless, this needs to change. I propose sponsoring an amendment to the Constitution for the U.S. Congress to limit the total time a senator may serve to 12 years and house representatives to 6 years. Thus, they would be permitted to serve 18 years of their lifetime."

"Education reform emphasizes the essential skills of reading, writing, and math. Many students graduating from our public school systems lack these vital skills and cannot attend a community college or university without additional remedial courses."

"Antisemitism in any form is unacceptable. No one wants to deny anyone their right to free speech as guaranteed by the First Amendment. Regardless, no one can deny someone the right to access education at their university or college."

"Support the Governor's initiative of the Broad Blue Line to support communities with additional funding for law enforcement officers, their training, and additional equipment. This funding must be provided to communities that cannot make the investment funds the initiative requires."

"The new Virginia Mental Health Commissioner found a vast deficiency in the State's Mental Health Services as per a Community Service Board Behavioral Health Services Commissioner report in December 2022. Local Community Service Boards (CSB) lack sufficient licensed mental health workers with an ever-increasing population with severe mental health issues."

"When I get to the legislature, I will make sure that we target the programs that are failing our communities and begin a regimen of tax incentives and cuts for builders and buyers that allow for greater supply and reduce the cost and demand of housing. I am sick and tired of the little guy getting the short end of the stick, and I plan on finally standing up and making sure that the people get what they need and not the overreaching bureaucracy."

"Provide federal grants to fully support the ongoing Coastal Storm Risk Management (CSRM) Project. Fund research and investments into Small Modulator Reactors (SMR) and Microreactors, or micro nuclear reactors. Install numerous SMRs around the Commonwealth. Any generated excess power is sold to other state power grids, and the residual profit goes to Virginia State confers. "