Archive for January, 2007 Page 3 of 3
ALEXANDRIA – In preparation for the 2007 session of the General Assembly, which begins Wednesday, Delegate David Englin (D-Alexandria) today released a new Constituent Survey online at www.DavidEnglin.org/survey. As part of his ongoing dialogue with his constituents and his strong belief in open government, Englin’s new survey includes an opportunity to comment on all of the bills he has had drafted for the upcoming legislative session.
“I thought it would be useful to give constituents more of a window into the legislative process and give them a chance to be more directly involved in my legislation,” said Englin. “Members of the General Assembly often have more bills drafted than they will actually patron. Since this year is a short session — just 45 days — I can’t realistically sponsor all of these, so it’s very helpful to know how my constituents would prefer me to prioritize these ideas.”
The survey also includes detailed demographic and issue questions intended to give Englin a variety of information about his constituents so he can better understand their concerns and continue working to serve them better.
Englin is mailing out thousands of postcards throughout the 45th District to encourage people to take the survey, and today he and volunteers handed out information about the survey at the King Street, Braddock Road, and Huntington Metro stations.
“The more constituents who take the survey, the more feedback I have so I can represent them better in Richmond,” said Englin. “I hope as many people as possible will go online and participate.”
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The Mount Vernon Gazette published this letter to the editor in its Dec. 13 edition, highlighting David’s work on behalf of the Jefferson Manor neighborhood:
Potholes, Promises and Politics
To the Editor:
The Jefferson Manor community has been a part of Fairfax County since the late 1940s, yet seems all but forgotten b y the commonwealth and county planners. While half of the neighborhood had some major street improvements done, the other half remains neglected and has not had work done in almost 60 years! “Streets” are not an accurate way to describe the roadways; they are nothing more than patches and potholes. The sidewalks are so buckled, they are virtually impassable by those in wheelchairs or pushing strollers.
You would think that Fairfax County and the Commonwealth of Virginia would be embarrassed at these conditions in one of their communities, but it always seems some other neighborhood or project has more pressing needs than ours. For years, the residents here have been patient, waiting for the promised eventual improvements. Every year there is some other excuse or reason why we have to wait even longer. But finally, there seems to be some hope in sight! After the active involvement of Del. David Englin along with our county representative, we finally got a layer of asphalt over one of the streets and another will soon be repaved, too. While more comprehensive and long-lasting street and sidewalk improvements still need to be done, this is a great beginning.
Jefferson Manor may not have the wealthiest residents, but it is a first-class community with first-class people. We pay our taxes and deserve the same quality streets and sidewalks that others enjoy. It’s good to know we have Del. David Englin on our side, taking an active interest and working to improve our community.
Cynthia Minnick
Mount Vernon
ALEXANDRIA – Today Delegate David Englin (D-Alexandria) announced the initial results of his re-election fundraising efforts for the official reporting period that ended Sunday. While detailed results are not due to the State Board of Elections until January 16, the preliminary tally shows that Englin has raised at least $91,000 during the current campaign cycle, including at least $66,000 during the most recent reporting period, exceeding internal expectations and showing strong support going into his 2007 re-election.
“As I prepare for the upcoming General Assembly session and together we prepare for the coming campaign season, I’m inspired and energized by hundreds of constituents and volunteers who stand with me as we fight for progress together,” said Englin. “I’m incredibly grateful and honored to have the financial support of so many people from across the 45th District, the Commonwealth, and even the country. Thank you for being part of our efforts.”
Englin’s campaign organization, known informally as “Team Englin,” had hoped to have about $25,000 cash on hand going into 2007 to fund their ongoing and unprecedented grassroots outreach operation. However, thanks to continued strong grassroots support combined with growing support from larger donors, they start the new year with about $29,000 cash on hand — even after paying off remaining campaign debt from the 2005 election cycle.
“I was very pleasantly surprised with our fundraising strength this cycle,” said Englin. “But while money is vital — an important means to an end — volunteers are the true engine of our year-round efforts to engage constituents, build the party, and fight for a progressive future for our community and our Commonwealth.”
On Friday, Englin will launch his 2007 Constituent Survey to continue his ongoing dialogue with his constituents about the issues facing the 45th District.
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