This week, we asked the candidates for competitive House of Delegates races in Arlington districts to write a sub-750 word essay describing why residents of their districts should vote for them on Election Day (Nov. 5).

Here is the unedited response from 47th District candidate Patrick Hope (D):

Over the past two years, Virginia has begun to shed its proud reputation as one of the best states to start a business and raise a family.  Instead, we have become a state less welcoming to gays and lesbians, minorities, and women and more interested in legislating divisive social issues rather than improving our economy and creating jobs.  The partisanship seen across the Potomac River has already filtered its ugly ways into the Virginia General Assembly.  I believe we need to reverse course.

Terry McAuliffe, Ralph Northam, Mark Herring and the entire Democratic ticket represent change that will refocus Virginia’s attention toward investing more in our public schools and universities, ensuring an adequate transportation infrastructure, guaranteeing our most vulnerable residents have access to affordable health care and services, and protecting our environment and natural resources.  By making these smart investments, while keeping taxes and regulation low, Virginia will once again be a welcoming place for businesses and families.

My personal focus will be ensuring Virginia fully implements the Affordable Care Act and continues to reform its Medicaid program to guarantee quality health care at lower costs.  My attention will also be on seeking reforms to our prison system to make it more cost efficient and to make sure offenders who need treatment receive it, helping to avoid incarceration in the first place.  And finally, I will continue to be the voice for those most in need – those with physical and mental disabilities, our children, and older adults.

This vision for the Commonwealth is one that reflects our Arlington values and it is one that motivates me daily to continue my public service for you.  I sincerely hope to earn your vote on Tuesday, November 5th.  For more information, please visit my website at www.HopeforVirginia.org.