To the editor:

Rather than writing a letter opposing anyone who has the vision and bravery to run for office, I want to explain why I support Amy Jackson for mayor. I’ve known Amy for a decade – before her political career began. I first met her when she was a civics teacher and I got to see the passion she had for making a difference in the lives of young people.

One of the highest callings we can fulfill in life is seeking to help others achieve their potential. That drive rests at the core of a teacher’s identity. And while Amy is no longer actively a teacher, she carries that spirit with her as she seeks to help Alexandria residents, the city as a whole and the city government more specifically, become the best versions of themselves.

As a member of City Council, as vice mayor and as a candidate in this election, Amy has consistently sought to uplift others and to ask what role the city can play in encouraging its residents to have more abundant lives. Her focus on ensuring that our schools are appropriately funded, and that teacher’s pay is competitive with neighboring jurisdictions is one example.

Even though I don’t have children, I know that our city is only as strong as our public schools. Education is the primary engine of our economy and will determine our growth as a community.

Similarly, Amy’s focus on investments in public safety comes from a similar place. For people to thrive, they must feel safe. Amy has consistently advocated for the resources that are needed to ensure that public safety is prioritized, while ensuring that our community remains just and fair to everyone.

And while Amy seeks to help individuals realize their potential, she seeks the same for the community. In the divisive debate over the future of Potomac Yard, Amy consistently encouraged a public conversation centered on how that space can be used in a way that best serves the entire city.

Finally, Amy has prioritized ensuring that the city government lives up to it being the best version of itself as well. I was at an event recently where Amy was explaining why she thought it was critical for any vote on whether the City Council should raise its pay to happen before the primary.

Honestly, as she talked about it, I thought, “Wow, that’s not great politics,” because people might not like that discussion. And, if that’s the case, they could take it out on the incumbents with their votes at the ballot box. But that was just the point to Amy. That conversation needs to happen before the election so that the decision-making process is transparent to the public and so that it promotes accountability. That is governance at its best and I’m proud that she had that instinct. That type of genuine transparency can help build trust between the government and the people it serves.

So, while we have great options in this election, I am supporting Amy Jackson for mayor because I know what her character is, and I know the city she can help us be and become.

-David A. Lord,

Alexandria