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My name is Silver Persinger. I am 37 years old. I work at the Library of Virginia preparing historic newspapers (prior to 1922) for microfilming. I am running for a seat in the Virginia House of Delegate, 71st District.
I have attended Richmond City Council meetings regularly for over 3 years now and I also attend nearly all of their Standing Committee meetings. Since January 2009, I have been producing a blog that features full length videos of Richmond City Council meetings and their committee meetings as a means to make it easier for others to view the meetings. See, http://www.richmondtelegraph.org
It is my feeling that citizens need to be more engaged in our government. Particularly at the local level. The Richmond Times-Dispatch does not do an adequate job of alerting the public to the important issues before the Council. At many committee meetings, I am the only citizen present. Many times there is no journalist present.
This is my third time my name will appear on the ballot for office. I ran for City Council in the 5th District in 2006 against Councilman Marty Jewell. In 2007, I ran for State Senate against Donald McEachin.
My opponent, Jennifer McClellan, is a corporate lawyer for Verizon Telephone. And her largest campaign contributor is Dominion Power. One of the factors that motivates me to run for office is my belief that corporations have too much influence in our government. I am against the practice of outsourcing state jobs to private contractors, such as the result debacle of VITA/Northrop Grumman. I think government ought to do more for poor and working people such as such as helping to provide access to health care, education, and jobs.
I support increasing democratic government at the local level through the use of Instant Runoff Voting, term limits for politicians, the election of state and local judges, and campaign finance reform to limit the influence of corporate donations. I am an advocate for open and transparent government and citizen participation.
I hope this is an adequate introduction and I would be happy to answer any questions from your group.
Thank you for contacting me.
Silver Persinger
