Peter’s Take: Chopra and Herring on June 11

Peter’s Take is a weekly opinion column. The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ARLnow.com.

In the Democratic primary on June 11, I will be voting for Aneesh Chopra for Lieutenant Governor and Mark Herring for Attorney General.

Polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. If you need to find the location of your polling place, you may do so here.

Aneesh Chopra for Lieutenant Governor

Enthusiasm, innovation, a fresh perspective on Virginia’s challenges — that’s why I’m voting for Aneesh Chopra for Lieutenant Governor.

“Old Virginny” is obsolete, but some Virginians are still in denial. Fortunately, Aneesh Chopra isn’t one of them.

Aneesh previously served as Virginia’s Secretary of Technology under then Governor Tim Kaine, and later as U.S. Technology Officer for President Obama. Both positions reflect his standing as a leader at the forefront of 21st Century technology innovation.

Aneesh has led in showing how technology can better our lives. I am impressed by his ability to take the way of thinking that has made him a national technology leader, and apply it to develop new solutions to challenges we face in Virginia—regardless of whether those challenges involve technology.

Aneesh’s style, personality and approach are captured in this video.

Mark Herring for Attorney General

Thoughtful, mature, focused on protecting Virginia’s consumers — that’s why I’m voting for Mark Herring for Attorney General.

We need a level-headed lawyer as Attorney General — one who will refocus the Attorney General’s office on what that office is supposed to do. Mark Herring fills that bill.

Mark has served in the Virginia State Senate since 2006. In this legislative role, he has been a leader in making both state and local governments more accountable to the citizens of Virginia.

In 2012, Mark received a “Champion of Justice” award from the Virginia Association of Commonwealth’s Attorneys for his record of taking on tough issues like designer drugs and protecting victims of domestic violence.

Mark also supports common-sense gun control legislation, protecting consumers from unscrupulous sales practices, and increasing state resources to improve Virginia’s mental health system.

The essence of Mark’s goals as Virginia’s next Attorney General are summarized in this video.

Peter Rousselot is a former member of the Central Committee of the Democratic Party of Virginia and former chair of the Arlington County Democratic Committee.