David and Shayna put themselves up for auction to raise money for the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing and the Arlington Young Democrats this evening during the Arlington Young Democrats’ annual date auction. A raucous crowd packed the bar at CarPool in Arlington to bid on dates. David and Shayna offered the winning bidder a double date that includes tickets to any 2005 season production at Signature Theatre in Shirlington.

“We had great fun at the auction, and Shayna and I are thrilled to help raise money for affordable housing, which is one of the top items on my agenda,” said David.

David and Shayna put themselves up for auction to raise money for the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing and the Arlington Young Democrats this evening during the Arlington Young Democrats’ annual date auction. A raucous crowd packed the bar at CarPool in Arlington to bid on dates. David and Shayna offered the winning bidder a double date that includes tickets to any 2005 season production at Signature Theatre in Shirlington.“We had great fun at the auction, and Shayna and I are thrilled to help raise money for affordable housing, which is one of the top items on my agenda,” said David.

Alexandria – House of Delegates candidate David Englin today unveiled his “Progressive Agenda for the Future of Northern Virginia.” The Englin plan outlines a series of bold initiatives embodying his vision to build the future of the state on issues such as affordable housing, education, and transportation.

“I believe that Virginia is at a moment when it needs strong, unwavering progressive leaders who are not afraid to put forth their policy ideas for moving our state forward,” said Englin. “By outlining a clear policy agenda, which I will back up with more detailed legislative proposals in the coming weeks, the voters can see where I stand and that I will fight for the issues they have told me effect them daily.”

Englin’s “Progressive Agenda” focuses on issues that will strengthen not only the communities of the 45th District, but those all across the Commonwealth. This includes making housing affordable to ensure strong, vibrant, diverse communities where everyone can enjoy good quality of life. It targets fixing and funding our education system so our teachers and schools have what they need for our children to learn and grow. And, it incorporates ideas to lower the cost of health care so people get the services they need without risking financial ruin or overburdening small businesses.

To help maintain the strong communities that are the hallmark of Northern Virginia, Englin’s agenda states that, “we (must) get back the power and resources we need to keep our economy strong and our communities safe and healthy well into the future.” This means getting back more money and more local control for Northern Virginia, strengthening our infrastructure and protecting our future on wide ranging issues from security to the environment.

Englin’s plan highlights the need to protect the rights of all Virginians, especially at this time when many are under attack by right-wing conservatives. This includes fighting for the rights of gays and lesbians, protecting and promoting a living wage, and defending reproductive rights.

“It was a great Northern Virginian named George Washington who wrote of a government “which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.” These are the same traditional progressive values that I believe strongly in, and the same values I will fight for in Richmond as a Delegate,” said Englin.

Englin emphasized that his policy agenda builds on some of the strong ideas that Democrats have already put forth in the General Assembly, while adding proactive initiatives that he believes are needed to counter the assault in Richmond on progressive ideals and values.

“The people of Northern Virginia can be proud of their strong Democratic delegation. I look forward to bringing my ideas to the table so together we can fight to protect the same strong values and strong communities that brought my family and many other families and businesses to Northern Virginia,” said Englin.

David came straight from knocking on the doors of voters in the 45th District to the Capitol City Brewing Company in Shirlington this evening, where he shared his strong progressive vision with activists from the Virginia Grassroots Coalition. He took the opportunity to preview his soon-to-be-released agenda, and he introduced Mara Lee, his field director.Afterwards, David stopped in at the Tim Kaine MeetUp, also at the Capitol City Brewing Company, to meet voters and hear their thoughts on the Virginia gubernatorial race. David was sure to pick up a Tim Kaine sign for his front yard.

In the current edition of the Arlington Connection, David shares his own experience watching his mother struggle with the decision to put her mother into a a nursing home. He argues in support of efforts to strengthen Virginia’s oversight of elder-care facilities. Download a PDF copy of David’s op-ed using the link below.

Caring for Seniors Can’t Be Left to Chance.pdf

David met more voters in the Mount Vernon part of the 45th District on Saturday as he attended the annual town meeting hosted by Mount Vernon District Supervisor Gerry Hyland. David was pleased to see Supervisor Hyland honor Del. Marian Van Landingham with an award for her service to the people of Mount Vernon. David stayed for the “Virtual Bus Ride with Gerry,” where Supervisor Hyland presented a guided tour of the development projects along the Route 1 / Richmond Highway corridor.

“This was a terrific opportunity to listen to some of the issues on the minds of people in the Mount Vernon part of the 45th District,” said David.

After the “bus ride,” David and several volunteers spent the day canvassing neighborhoods and introducing David to voters.

Sunday morning, David attended the Brotherhood Political Brunch at Alexandria’s Beth El Hebrew Congregation, where the Englin family are members. Later in the day, he floated among Superbowl parties meeting voters and enjoying some down time with friends.

David and his campaign team enjoyed lunch at Hard Times Cafe in Old Town, Alexandria, today to support the new Alexandria Gay and Lesbian Community Association Scholarship Fund. Hard Times Cafe will donate to the scholarship fund a portion of the food bill of customers who presented a fundraising flyer. The Alexandria GLCA Scholarship Fund will award a $1,200 scholarship to a graduating senior of T.C. Williams High School who has demonstrated a commitment to human rights and equality.

Many thanks to Karen Gautney and Sue Misslbeck for opening their beautiful home yesterday evening and hosting a dessert reception to introduce David to their friends, neighbors, and coworkers. It was a great chance for David to listen to their concerns and to share his vision. Karen offered this warm endorsement of David:”We need another strong, progressive Democrat to represent our district. We need leaders who can remind us of our obligation to care for the least among us. We need leaders who can return government to its rightful role of providing needed services and improving our quality of life, not controlling our lives and perpetuating intolerance. I believe David is a man who can do that.”The guests discussed with David a wide range of issues, including tourism, children’s services, and human rights. David and Shayna both expressed their gratitude for the energy with which Karen and Sue are supporting the campaign and invited the guests to join David’s effort to build a grassroots movement of Democrats who will support his fight for a progressive future for Virginia.