Candidate Essay: Rob Krupicka

Earlier this week, we asked the three Democratic candidates for the 30th District state Senate seat to write a sub-750 word essay on why the district’s residents should vote for them on Tuesday, Aug. 23.

Here is the unedited response from Rob Krupicka:

My name is Rob Krupicka, and I started this campaign with the simple idea that we need new ideas in Richmond. I’m tired of the politics of blame that we see everyday in Washington D.C. I’m tired of the same old finger pointing and partisan bickering that takes us backwards. I’m running for Senate because Northern Virginia deserves a leader who will reject the politics of blame, and work tirelessly to produce results.

I’m a husband, father of two daughters, lifelong Democrat and this race is deeply personal to me. I grew up in a single-parent home and was born to a teenage mother who often struggled to support my sisters and me. From my earliest years, it was impressed upon me how important hard work and education are to a person’s future. No matter where people start in life, they should have the opportunity to fulfill their potential. I’ve made this principle the foundation of my public service, whether it’s my involvement in public education or my work to build a more sustainable, healthier community.

I believe it is the responsibility of individuals who are committed to a cause to stand up for it. This passion for progressive ideals is what spurred me to run for office. It has been my honor to serve on State Board of Education since 2009 and the Alexandria City Council since 2003, where I am proud of the work we have done to protect funding for our schools, to make our community more environmentally sustainable, and to find forward thinking solutions to our very real transportation problems.

In Richmond, I will work to make Virginia the best state in the country to get an education. I will give local governments the tools they need to invest in cleaner, greener technology in order to protect our environment. I will stand up for our men and women in uniform, and see that they have the support they deserve. I will fight for progressive tax reform, and true equality for everyone regardless of gender, race or sexual orientation.

I have proposed a series of new ideas throughout this campaign that ranges from the expansion of access to Pre-K programs across the state, to the creation of high capacity transit corridors that get cars off our roadways. I have laid out a vision of what I will do as Senator, and while I know that not everyone will agree with me on everything, there will be never be a question about where I stand.

I started my political career at the neighborhood level, and it is that on the ground experience working to solve problems that I want to take to Richmond. I know that if you bring people together and put in the time to work through a problem, there is no limit to what you can accomplish. I want to go to Richmond to do big things, and put in the work necessary to tackle the problems our region faces. I will always fight to protect and improve the quality of life of our communities, and I would be honored to have your support on August 23rd.