Nearly two dozen volunteers packed Campaign Central yesterday for a short-notice Volunteer Night to clear a backlog of letters to newly registered voters in the 45th District. The crowd included a reunion of Team Englin stalwarts, as well as several first-time volunteers.

“I’m so incredibly grateful that you would take the time this close to Christmas — and in the middle of Hanukah! — to help me reach out so many new constituents to serve them better,” said David. “With this kind of grassroots energy, I’m confident that we will repel any challengers during the upcoming election season so together we can continue our fight for progress.”

While David is preparing for the upcoming legislative session, Team Englin volunteers are already starting to think about his 2007 reelection.

“I’m ready to do whatever it takes to send David back to Richmond so he can keep fighting for us,” said Jeff Lieberman, who worked day and night as a grassroots organizer for Team Englin during the 2005 campaign.

Click here to join Team Englin and be part of David’s fight for progress.

David visited Hollin Meadows Math and Science Focus School and West Potomac High School on Friday as part of his ongoing effort to visit every public school serving the 45th District.

In the morning, Principal Jon Gates showed David around Hollin Meadows, introduced him to students and teachers and let him sit in on the school’s weekly student recognition ceremony. Dan Storck, who represents Mount Vernon District on the Fairfax County School Board, organized the tour as part of his legislative outreach efforts, and he accompanied David.

“As one of Virginia’s most socially and economically diverse elementary schools, Hollin Meadows faces some unique challenges, so I’m especially impressed with the energy, resolve, and creativity of the teachers, parents, and staff,” said David.

Hollin Meadows has been recognized as one of only four Title I schools in Fairfax County to have met all its “Adequate Yearly Progress” targets.

Next, David visited West Potomac High School and spoke with a class of AP U.S. History students, who grilled David on a wide range of political and policy issues.

“I was impressed with the breadth and depth of the questions — everything from social issues to fiscal policy,” said David. “It was especially valuable to get their perspective on pending legislation directed at young people, such as the proposed ban on cell phone use while driving for drivers under age 18.”

After speaking with the students, David toured the rest of the school with Principal Rima Vesilind and enjoyed a holiday serenade from one of the school’s acclaimed choral groups.

“Today was a great chance to get out on the front lines and see our terrific teachers and public schools in action,” said David. “I will continue to do everything I can in the General Assembly to support their work for our children.”

David recently took a hardhat tour of the new Signature Theater complex being built at Shirlington Village, in the Arlington part of the 45th District.

“I’m happy that the General Assembly has seen fit to support this project with state matching grants,” said David. “Not only do Signature’s nationally-acclaimed performances enrich lives throughout our community and our region, but it delivers $237,000 a year in tax revenue to the state — over and above the direct impact on our area’s economy. That’s a terrific return on investment for all Virginians.”

Through a unique partnership with Arlington County and using funds from a variety of sources, including $275,000 in matching grants from the General Assembly’s non-state agency appropriations, Signature is developing this exciting new home. The complex will feature two black box theatres, expanded facilities for artists, production and education, and ample parking in a community-centered, service-oriented location.

Signature is an award-winning non-profit professional theater dedicated to producing contemporary plays and musicals, reinventing classic musicals, and developing new work. In January, Signature will celebrate the grand opening of this $12.5-million, two-theater complex that will be Shirlington’s cultural and economic anchor.

David joined members of Alexandria’s Shiloh Baptist Church on Friday for a special ceremony marking the accomplishments of the Shiloh of Alexandria Federal Credit Union, which has made a large contribution to first-time homeownership for people with limited resources in the Alexandria area.

“Shiloh of Alexandria Federal Credit Union is directly responsible for opening the American dream of home ownership to Alexandrians who, for a variety of reasons, would otherwise have a very difficult time obtaining financing,” said David.

David noted that, while the General Assembly is considering legislation to reign in predatory lending such as payday and title loans, Shiloh of Alexandria Federal Credit Union is offering alternatives designed to provide financial services to people who otherwise could fall into the spiral of debt that can result from payday loans.

“This is one more example of Shiloh finding a way to make life better for Alexandrians in need,” said David.