To the editor:

I have known and supported Mark Levine since he entered his first race for the House of Delegates in Virginia’s 45th district six years ago. I’m supporting Levine for lieutenant governor because he fights for the issues that strengthen Virginia for the people. On Levine’s second day in the General Assembly he created the Transparency Caucus and led the charge to live stream all subcommittee, committee and floor proceedings. This is a big deal. Now, lawmakers’ votes are public and recorded, and Virginians can testify electronically. The “old” backroom way of doing business is gone in Richmond. But Levine was just getting started. From fighting to pass common-sense gun safety measures to ensuring that all Virginians have access to affordable healthcare, Mark has done much for the people of his district and across the state.

Levine’s dedication to public service and making change is deeply personal. Spurred on by the tragedy of his sister being murdered by her husband, Levine wrote the first law in Tennessee to prevent children from being forced into the custody of an abuser. He wrote this law as a private citizen, and he has been pushing ever since for changes that protect the vulnerable and promote economic opportunity, equity and strengthened voting rights.

Most importantly, I’m voting for Levine because he doesn’t back down from a challenge. When he sees injustice, flaws in government that make life harder for people, or inequities that prevent all Virginians from flourishing, he gets to work for change. Mark does not go along to get along. He fights for us. As lieutenant governor, he’ll have the platform to fight for everyone in our great Commonwealth. Join me in voting Mark Levine for lieutenant governor on June 8!

-Helen Morris, Alexandria