A Leader is Needed to Advance Rational, Progressive Policies

Letter to the Editor by Jay Donohue

The back and forth between Jennifer Boysko and Tom Rust concerning Mr. Rust's flip-flop voting record hides a reality that is of much greater importance to residents of the 86th District.

Mr. Rust has demonstrated an inability to represent the District in a manner that most constituents want. Mr. Rust's history of casting votes that are both anti-choice and pro-choice, that are both destructive and sympathetic of women’s health interests, as well as both destructive and sympathetic of gay and Latino positions allows him to tell any story he wants according to the audience he is trying to please.

But this finger to the wind approach also precludes Mr. Rust from being a leader, or even a person of interest, concerning critical issues of the day that voters in the 86th District would like their representative to take a stand on. 

Mr. Rust must deal with, and work for, a strong Richmond right-wing leadership that vigorously opposes a governing direction that Northern Virginians believe is in the best interests of the Commonwealth. That is why his voting record looks much less like those of Janet Howell, Mark Herring and Ken Plum, and more like any number of southern delegates from Chesapeake and Danville.

To succeed at the ballot box Mr. Rust must draw strong support from right-wing voters on issues such as invasive ultrasounds for women, opposition to marriage equality, and limited spending for education. In an attempt to square that circle he tries to vote both ways, thereby diluting any potential to lead in directions in sync with most voters of his own District.

This approach ill-serves the interests of Eastern Loudoun and Western Fairfax that need a strong, consistent and constant voice who will stand up to far right-wing elements in a way Mr. Rust has shown no inclination to do.

That voice belongs to Jennifer Boysko. Ms. Boysko knows who she is, believes deeply in a defined set of governing principals and has clearly articulated and advanced those principals her entire pubic life, most recently as Herndon's liaison to Dranesville District Supervisor John Foust. And she will work with a legislative leadership allied with her progressive views rather than with a southside leadership, unalterably opposed to policies best designed to lead Virginia through the 21st century. 

The critical nature of current times demands leadership and representation that can look and move forward in one consistent direction, not establish a zig-zag voting record to no where. Leadership cannot be strong if it is not consistent. Our delegate in Richmond must be solely committed to this District's best interests, not constantly looking over his shoulder wondering how best to mollify his reactive leadership.

The leader of the future is Jennifer Boysko and I urge you to support her on Tuesday, Nov. 5.