David joined the working men and women of UNITE HERE Local 27 — the union representing hotel workers — on the picket line outside of the Hilton Crystal City in Arlington on Thursday to stand with them in their struggle for a contract to protect their jobs and their families.

“These hard-working men and women deserve a contract that secures their ability to support their families,” said David.  “I’m proud to stand with them, and I hope together we can push the hotel to negotiate a fair deal that gives these families some security in today’s tough economy.”

About 12 years ago, the Hilton Crystal City became the first hotel in Northern Virginia to be organized.  In 2007, the hotel was bought by Columbia Sussex, a Kentucky-based hotel and casino company that has since rolled back the rights of these workers, downgraded their benefits, reduced their compensation and increased their workloads.  Rather than strike, these workers have stayed on the job without a contract out of fear of being fired and replaced by people who will accept less pay to do more work.  The workers have voted to urge a boycott of the hotel.

Click here for more information about UNITE HERE.

David met with self-advocates, parents, and staff from the Arc of Northern Virginia today as part of the group’s efforts to raise awareness of issues affecting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  The Arc’s “I Have a Dream, I Have a Life, I Have a Name Café” gave David and other legislators an opportunity to visit with constituents in a casual setting to discuss some of the personal and policy challenges faced by people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as well as an opportunity to learn more about their hopes and dreams for the future.

“Our country is founded on the notion that all people deserve to be equal in freedom, with a fair shot at life and an equal chance to strive for their dreams,” said David.  “We must work together to make sure that dream truly applies to all people, including people with the added challenge of a disability.”

For more information about the Arc of Northern Virginia, visit www.thearcofnova.org.

Democracy is not a spectator sport.  This year, with record election turnout expected, the City of Alexandria and Fairfax County still need election officers to help ensure the integrity of the voting process.  Election officers open and close the polls, assist in setting up voting machines, handle ballots and pollbooks, help voters understand the process of voting, and return election results to the local registrar of voters.

If you are a qualified Virginia voter, can attend a couple of training sessions, and are available to work for a long day on Election Day, Nov. 4, then you can earn a $100 stipend by serving as an election officer.

Click here to apply online to serve your community and ensure the integrity of the election process.

More than 30 Team Englin volunteers turned out yesterday evening at the Englin family’s home and the Mark Warner for Senate headquarters in Old Town for another incredible evening reaching out to voters and constituents.

“Together we knocked on hundreds of doors, made hundreds of phone calls, and sent mail to the largest pool of newly registered voters we’ve had so far this year,” said David, thanking the volunteers.  “When Barack Obama and Mark Warner win on November 4, it will be because of your efforts.”

Click here to join our team, and mark your calendar for our next Team Englin + Barack Obama Volunteer Night on Tuesday, September 9th.

Join your Team Englin friends at one of two simultaneous volunteer opportunities we are hosting 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. next Thursday, August 21, 6-9 p.m.

Team Englin + Barack Obama Volunteer Night
1505 Wayne St, Alexandria
Once again, we’ll be working hand-in-hand with the Obama campaign to run a door-to-door canvass, and we have several mailings to get out so we can continue growing the circle of support to deliver Virginia this November.

Team Englin + Mark Warner Phone Bank
1029 N Royal St, Alexandria
Join Shayna at the Warner campaign’s office in Old Town for an evening making phone calls to identify voters to turn out this November to to elect Mark Warner to U.S. Senate.

This is the kind of grassroots, nieghbor-to-neighbor outreach that wins elections, and we could really use your help.  As always, we provide the pizza, drinks, and camaraderie — you bring your commitment to progress!  Let us know you’re coming at gro.nilgnedivadnull@ofni, or call us at 703-549-3203.  (Be sure to specify whether you plan to do the Volunteer Night at our house or the Phone Bank at Warner HQ.)

Congratulations to Marc Williams, who scored a very convincing win in today’s special election for Alexandria School Board District B.  Here are the results, with all 10 precincts reporting:

• Marc Williams – 1,298
• John Leary – 875
• Elynn Simons – 503
• Bernie Schulz – 307

“Marc obviously ran a terrific race, and I look forward to working with him and the rest of the School Board to strengthen Alexandria’s schools for all of our children,” said David.  “People who have never run for office don’t necessarily appreciate the courage it takes to stand before your community and put your reputation on the line, and I commend all of the candidates in this race for caring enough about our children to offer their service.”

Today, voters in Alexandria’s School Board District B have an opportunity to elect a new School Board member. This summer special election was triggered when School Board chairwoman Claire Eberwein resigned to move out of the country. Turnout will be low, so your vote will make a big difference, and the winner could be determined by a very small handful of votes.

There are four candidates in this non-partisan race (click here for the official sample ballot) and David has made no endorsements, but he urges you to seriously consider one of the following three people (listed alphabetically):

• John Leary www.johnleary.org
• Elynn Simons www.simonsforschoolboard.com
• Marc Williams www.marcwilliamsforschoolboard.com

The polls are open Tuesday, August 12 between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. Click here to check your School Board district to see if you are eligibile to vote in this special election.

Thank you to all of the Alexandria families who joined us at the Mamas for Obama event Saturday morning at Beach Park! Dozens of moms, dads, and kids spent a beautiful morning reaching out to new voters, making signs for the new Campaign for Change office in Arlington, and gearing up for a Fall full of events to help elect Barack Obama.

Team Englin will continue working closely with the Obama campaign, and we hope you will join us!