The start of the New Year usually brings to mind resolutions and positive changes. In 2008, we came together and resolved to vote for change. Working together, we made history and elected Barack Obama as our President. We felt the power of our votes and it felt good. However, in the 2009 statewide elections, Virginians saw a different change, one moving us backward. That didn’t feel so good.

The Special Election on January 12 is the first of the New Year. As Democrats, this is our call to arms, our opportunity to champion change once again. Virginia Beach voters have an important opportunity to set the stage for the all-important 2010 elections -- to signal our renewed resolve to push forward, rather than slide backward.

The change we need in Virginia Beach begins with our economy. Virginia is the 9th wealthiest state in the Union, thanks to the combined efforts of all of us working in small and large businesses, agriculture, and maritime industries.

Last year more than 5,000 jobs left our community, affecting our families, friends and neighbors. The growing transportation gridlock and rising cost of healthcare have contributed to these job losses. We must improve the business climate to stop the loss of existing jobs while we create new high-paying technical and manufacturing jobs. We must take bold steps to stabilize our local economy.

We cannot let political stalemate keep us from addressing the challenges we face. We must ensure that every citizen has access to quality healthcare and the opportunity to benefit from a sound public education – from pre-K through college.

Our schools should not be the first place we look when budgets are being slashed. As the global economy becomes increasingly competitive, we shortchange our students and jeopardize their futures every time we balance the budget with huge cuts to education.

I am asking for your vote on Tuesday, January 12. I am asking you to stand with your friends and neighbors again, just as we did in 2008. This is the beginning of a new year. Let’s resolve to vote for change once more in 2010.

Best Wishes,

“Bill”