George,

Charlottesville citizens have a rare chance to elect a new delegate to the House of Delegates, and have a rare opportunity to send to Richmond, on behalf of our community, and the entire Commonwealth, a representative of our diverse, brilliant and progressive community.

I served on the City Social Development Commission with Mr Toscano, succeeded him as chair of that body, and appreciate his willpower. I went to the same school as Mr Tingley, and understand his authentic dedication to progressive political causes and have seen his hard work to bring in new voters.

I recently attended a meeting of activists concerned about the agenda of many Delegates in recent Assembly sessions: homophobic, gay baiting, dismissive of women’s choices about their own health care, unresponsive to economic resilience in poor and rural communities, and heedless to dangerous increases in pollution and environmental degradation. Many of us feel under threat, for our wellbeing, and livelihoods.

I thought: should not Charlottesville, a ‘safe’ seat for a progressive Delegate, elect someone who can use that position to fight mightily for those of us who are under threat, who haven’t a voice or resources to fight so well for ourselves. Shouldn’t Charlottesville elect Mr Collins?

Edward Strickler, Jr (electronic mail, June 8, 2005)