What I Learned at the County Fair.

I spent 27 hours last weekend at the Arlington County Fair.  During that time I saw old friends and new friends I’ve only recently made on the campaign trail.  I said hello to thousands of people who passed by.  And, I had the opportunity to talk with many of them about my campaign.  Of those who stopped to talk, nearly all of them demonstrated what is good about people here in Northern Virginia.  Most greeted me with smiles and left with polite “thank you’s” – even from most of those who said they wouldn’t be voting for me.

 

One consistent theme from the Republicans, Independents, and yes, even many Democrats, who stopped to talk was that Democrat single party rule in Arlington wasn’t working.  They said providing some balance in the County government would be a good thing to keep the majority in check.  I agree.

 

To be honest, even with a growing dissatisfaction with Democrat monopoly rule, it’s still an uphill fight to run as a Republican in Arlington County.  But, after my time at the Fair, I’m more convinced than ever that it’s a fight worth fighting. 

 

And, that’s why I was so glad that there are still some people so committed to what they believe in that they were willing to give of their time to volunteer at the GOP booth at the Fair.  Our booth was nearly always full of volunteers and to them I say my own “Thank You!”  By working together, we can provide A New Way Forward in Arlington and the City of Falls Church.

ICYMI

I live in South Arlington near the construction at the water treatment plant.  In yesterday’s Washington Post, this article ran, outlining the health problems of one of my neighbors and one of our American heroes, Ret. General Harry Kinnard, that are being made worse by the constant pounding from the construction. 

National Night Out

Last night, my wife Keirsten, my daughter Layne and our Campaign Manager Sandy had the opportunity to visit three neighborhood National Night Out events (you can see a few photos on the website). 

First, I want to thank the kind people of Arlington who welcomed us to their events.  It’s always good to see neighbors coming together, particularly to support crime and drug prevention.  We had a nice time out - even on what seems to have been the hottest evening of the year.

Second, I want to say thank you to the police officers and fire fighters who made it out to support our neighborhoods.  And, I also want to note that our police officers deserve our thanks and respect for helping to lower the violent crime rate in Arlington to its lowest point in 40 years.

We look forward to seeing you on the campaign trail the next three months!!