(Appeared in the October 29, 2003 issue of the Reston Connection.)

The profusion of political signs along our streets and the clutter of campaign brochures in our mail boxes remind us that it is time again to vote. For some voters the flurry of activities called campaigning is a turn-off. The number of offices and candidates on the ballot discourage other voters. Virginia’s practice of having elections every year burns out voters and campaign workers. But the outcome of the elections is very important to our community.

Absent an opponent I have conducted a campaign of ideas – investing in our schools, building transportation alternatives including Dulles Rail, doing better in funding human services programs for our most vulnerable citizens, and protecting our environment. I believe that my stand on the issues, my emphasis on constituent services and communicating with voters, and my voting record contributed to my being unopposed. Realistically, however, I have to acknowledge that Democratic voters were stacked into this district to make the ones around it safe for Republicans. And that partisan redistricting explains why nearly 65 percent of the seats in the House of Delegates and more than 50 percent of the seats in the Senate are not contested.

In addition to using this time to communicate with voters I have also been helping other candidates for office. No one person can do the job alone, and I am concerned with the outcome of other elections. For our community of Reston and nearby areas my “picks” for the election are described below.

Senator Janet Howell has been doing a superb job as state senator in the 32nd district. She has provided real leadership on issues related to family violence and genetic information. She is a team player in getting more money including transportation funding from the state. For persons who live in Sunrise Valley Precinct in the 34th senate district, I recommend a vote for Ron Christian, an incredible community leader who will work tirelessly on behalf of his district.

For the Board of Supervisors, Cathy Hudgins understands our community and has been doing a great job of representing us. She needs to return, and Gerry Connolly needs to be elected chairman. They understand local government and the importance of maintaining the quality of life of our community.

Stuart Gibson is an excellent School Board member who has earned the right to be re-elected. But to keep the School Board moderate and out of extreme hands we need to elect Ilryong Moon, Janet Oleszek, and Lynn Terhar to help Stu. Please vote yes for the School Bonds that include money for South Lakes High School renovation.

The Soil and Water Conservation Board does not get much publicity, but it does important work. I recommend votes for David Bulova and Sally Ormsby who have been endorsed by the Democrats and Dewey Bond who has been endorsed by the Republicans.

And although we are both unopposed, please vote for me and Bob Horan, without a doubt the best Commonwealth Attorney in Virginia and among the best prosecutors in the country.

See you at the polls next Tuesday, November 4.