We recently invited the candidates running for local office in the Nov. 4 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.
Below is the unedited response from Del. Patrick Hope, who is running for House of Delegates – 1st District as a Democrat.
It has been a privilege to represent Arlington as your Delegate since 2010, and I am deeply honored by the trust you have placed in me throughout the years. It would be an honor to continue to serve the people of the Arlington community.
My wife Kristen and I moved to the Buckingham neighborhood in 2000 and have enjoyed raising our family in Arlington. All three of our kids attended Arlington Public Schools, from Barrett Elementary School, to Kenmore and Swanson Middle Schools, and Washington-Liberty High School. Our family loves Arlington and our entire community, from our schools to our parks, but most importantly the values we all cherish and share as Arlingtonians.
As Delegate, I am committed to advocating for the rights and needs of all my constituents, and I am proud of the ways I’ve delivered on that commitment. During my time in the Virginia House of Delegates, I have passed 115 bills into law – delivering real results for Arlingtonians. As chairman of the House Courts of Justice Committee, a senior member of the House Health & Human Resources Committee and the House Public Safety Committee, I have led efforts to protect and expand access to healthcare, prevent gun violence, maintain and advance civil rights, reform our criminal justice system, and protect reproductive freedom.
Virginia Democrats have been fighting to preserve our core democratic values, and one of the ways we can ensure the continued protection of the rights of all Virginians is through passage of three proposed amendments to the Virginia Constitution: codifying Roe v. Wade abortion protections, removing the state ban on same sex marriage, and adding the automatic restoration of voting rights to individuals after they have served their time in prison. In order for these proposed amendments to get to the voters for a referendum, it is crucial we retain our Democratic majority in the House of Delegates.
If re-elected, my top legislative priorities will be to: 1) pass gun safety legislation to enhance background checks for all firearm purchases; 2) pass legislation to update Arlington’s County Manager Plan of Government, allowing for the popular election of a Board chair, allowing for the expansion of the size of the Board, and allowing for districts, at-large, or hybrid – all powers other localities already have; and 3) ensuring all Virginians have continued access to life-saving vaccines.
In conclusion, I believe it is our duty to shape a more just and inclusive society. Government has a responsibility to protect and care for those most in-need, and as long as I represent the people of Arlington, I will continue to make good on this belief. I will never stop working to ensure that our government fulfills its promise of care, justice, and opportunity for all.
As your Delegate, I am proud of the progress we’ve made over the years. I hope to earn your vote on or before Tuesday, November 4th, and grant me the privilege of being your voice in Richmond. For more information or to contact my office, please visit my website at www.HopeforVirginia.org or iwillvote.com to find your polling place.
