From the pages of Charlottesville’s Daily Progress:
We have had successes, but there is so much more to do. Many Virginians live in safe communities, where crime is not an everyday concern. But every night, too many of our fellow Virginians are forced to bar their windows and lock their doors to keep dangerous criminals at bay. I believe that’s backwards — it should be the criminals who are behind lock and key, not our citizens. Our work will be not done until any Virginian can walk anywhere, anytime, without fear of being assaulted, robbed, or worse. All Virginians — rich and poor — deserve safe neighborhoods.
While in the General Assembly, I have considered it an honor to work alongside both law enforcement and the survivors of crime, and they have honored me with their awards. I am especially proud of the legislative recognition I have received from Mothers Against Drunk Driving Virginia (MADD). Similarly, the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Action Alliance, named me one of their “30 Voices in 30 Years” honoree for my work on protective orders. I also received the Outstanding Legislative Service award from the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association and the Virginia state prosecutors named me their “Champion of Justice.”
Delegate Bell has been extremely active with his base in the Charlottesville area as of late… suggesting his grassroots and low-key approach will be his strategy moving through 2012 towards the nomination contest in ’13.
