Summary
Current Position: Cloud Architect, Department of Defense
Affiliation: Democrat
Candidate: 2019 State Delegate
OnAir Post: Kevin Washington
About
Source: Campaign page
I come from a proud military family that has been involved in public service for as long as I can remember. I have served my country and now I want to serve the citizens of my state. We need to create more living-wage jobs, improve our schools and make public safety, in particular, a top priority. With over a decade of government experience, I know what it takes to find solutions, navigate complicated governmental agencies, and get things done.
Offices
Friends of Kevin Washington
P.O. Box 92
New Kent,VA 23124
Politics
Source: none
Issues
Source: Campaign page
Civil Rights
During my time in the Military, I served as an EOL (Equal Opportunity Leader). My training and experience reinforced by the belief that all people, regardless of age, race, religion, or creed should all have equal treatment. All Virginians should have an equal chance to succeed, grow and raise a family. I will work to ensure sexual orientation and gender identity are included to be legally protected against workplace discrimination. As a delegate, I will support and defend the rights of disenfranchised communities, minorities, and LGBTQ. I will fight to pass the ERA (Equal Rights Amendment). No Virginian should be afraid of discrimination.
Our criminal justice system should look to protect all its citizens. The state of Virginia needs to have a dedicated focus on reforming our criminal justice system for the safety and wellbeing of all. Currently, minorities and the poor in our community are unfairly punished, have poorer legal representation, and serve longer sentences that should be eliminated.
Economy
Employees should have a living wage which requires an increase in the minimum wage. The minimum wage should be increased over a few years. This slow and steady increase would allow businesses to adjust to wage changes. Women and families should have the leave time they need when expanding their family or when family emergencies arise. This requires improvements to our FMLA policies. As a technology professional, I believe Virginia is prime for becoming the countries technology HUB. A large amount of technology talent is bred in Virginia’s amazing universities, but that talent quickly leaves the state due to lower wages and a lack of jobs. However, with the proper incentives, these major tech companies will make Virginia their home.
Education
Education is a priceless resource. The greatest investment we can make is in our youth with the largest ROI being in their education. This investment includes paying teachers well, access to Pre-K programs, nutritious lunch programs, and educational resources. This includes increasing access to broadband technologies. Broadband has become a critical utility and provides communities with access to educational resources. A strategy to reduce the student to teacher ratio and reducing the focus on standardized testing will help us maintain a higher quality schools rating. A focus in education will improve the quality of live for our district’s current residents. Education is also a key factor in a family decision to move to the region.
Environment
I am an advocate of sustainable and renewable energy. Virginia has valuable natural resources that should be protected and preserved. I will support the development of innovative and technological advancements in energy alternatives such as; wind and solar that will lay a foundation for Virginia long into the future.
Health Care
Access to affordable quality healthcare should be a right. Affordable access to healthcare should be expanding to reach all Virginians. This includes access to mental health services. I am committed to working with professionals to de-stigmatize mental health. As a delegate, I will work to protect women’s healthcare rights and fight to block the government overreach that has recently been in acted by other States.
