I have always been interested in politics. I know how important the decisions we make in that voting booth are. They fundamentally shape our lives, and that consequence is magnified in a local race. Local politics truly affect how we live our lives.
This race is a Democratic primary, and while it is ultimately about the direction our county goes in – are we going to be pro-people or anti-people, it is also about what sort of Democrats we are going to be.
Democrats are supposed to be inclusive. They are supposed to be progressive. They are supposed to support the things and systems necessary to create fulfilling lives. Food, healthcare, housing, equal rights, public schools, the climate, arts, accessibility – these are all issues that are supposed to be central to what being a Democrat is.
Are we going to be a county that builds a wall or a county that builds a house?
What sort of Democrat is Albemarle County going to be? One that is inclusive or one that is exclusive? Are we going to be content that we get to live here, and that’s all that matters? Are we going to build a wall around our county and lock the gate? Or are we going to create openings so that the people who work here can join us full-time?
Being a Democrat is not about saying we have too many people. Being a Democrat is about celebrating our diversity – whether it is cultural, racial, or economic – and making room for everyone.
Being a Democrat is about saying yes to people. It is saying yes to community. Yes to new perspectives. Yes to housing. Yes to schools. Yes to the conditions that allow people to thrive. This election, the choice is very clear. Are we going to be a county that builds a wall or a county that builds a house?