Peace in RVA: Take Courage, Be Inspired

Before the day is over, I wanted to share this optimistic message from Delegate Chris Peace (97th House District) on Martin Luther King Day 2018.

On this national holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., I present you greetings from the Virginia General Assembly. Each year on this day of remembrance, Americans are called to consider Dr. King’s life and legacy.

If you are like me, this year the slain civil rights leader’s appeal to reject division, embrace our common human experience, and make a more perfect union feels more important than ever.  If you are discouraged by world-events or by our political leaders, take courage. Be inspired by last week’s many ceremonies that are deeply rooted in the best Virginia traditions designed to peacefully transfer power to a new head of state.

These recent events also included the reconvening of the oldest continuously operating legislative body, and even if for a moment, these historical formalities have the ability to convert the most ardent pessimist or seasoned partisan providing optimism for the way ahead.

Newly sworn-in Governor Ralph S. Northam is a former member of the Virginia Senate who advanced sound public policy and continues to maintain a good reputation among many members of the General Assembly. Working together, across aisles and between chambers, Delegates and Senators have the opportunity to take up our Governor’s charge issued in his inaugural address where he asked legislators to leave the Commonwealth better off tomorrow than it is today.  Together we have a lot of work to do to find the way ahead for the Commonwealth.

Martin Luther King, Jr. who was an eloquent writer and brilliant orator, presented in one of his many sage expressions, a quotation that similarly particularly inspires my purpose in public service. King remarked that, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ ”

I begin my thirteenth session as your state Delegate and accept both the Governor’s proposition and Dr. King’s solicitation to act in the best interests of the Commonwealth and the people of the 97th district to the best of my ability.