Blogging Forward

The two months since the primary season ended have been active ones in our household. I have been busy with my work on the Fairfax County School Board doing the regular catching up during the summer months when students aren't in school, as well as canvassing for David Bulova and the Coordinated Campaign. Walter has just returned from the annual Congressional Research Service graduate legislative institute on Congress for Hill staffers which was held in the historic Patrick Henry Building in Richmond. And this month, our son Mark returned home from graduate school for a visit in time for us to celebrate our son Eric's 22nd birthday with the whole family.

I have been considering what to do with this blog, and I have decided to carry it forward to continue our conversation about some of the topics I hold dear, including education issues, the Fairfax County Public School system, and current events in Fairfax County. I'm still working out the details of what the new version of this blog will be like, and you can look forward to seeing many changes and updates over the coming weeks.

Speaking of blogging, I am excited to be attending the Sorensen Institute's first Summit on Blogging and Democracy in the Commonwealth on August 27 in Charlottesville, organized by Waldo Jaquith and Chad Dotson, aka John Behan. (Incidentally, as far as I know, John Behan and I are Virginia's only elected bloggers.) I recognize several names in the attendance list, including Lowell Feld from Raising Kaine, and Maura Kearny from Democracy for Virginia, and I look forward to finally meeting in person other Virginia bloggers that so far I have only known online.

See you in Charlottesville! Cheers,

Janet

The Next Step

Dear Friends, Neighbors and Members of The J Team!

What an exhilarating experience this has been – running a grassroots campaign is politics in its purest form, and I’d like to thank all of you for your tireless support. I am particularly awed by those of you who worked at the polls on what will surely be one of the hottest days of the year (and perhaps in the history of elections!)

Your support and your commitment to my effort to secure the 37th district in the Virginia House of Delegates will long be appreciated. I would like to say a special thank you to my campaign team who worked early morning to late at night to identify voters and get our message out! But I’d also like to thank you, the voters, for taking precious time out of your busy schedules to participate in a primary that traditionally doesn't get much attention. It is only through active participation in the democratic process that we will make a real difference in our lives, our communities, and most importantly, the lives of our children.

I will be continuing my service as a Fairfax County School Board Member at Large and remain committed to building a bright future for families and children in Fairfax. I will always be available to listen and act upon your concerns.


Now, it is time for us to shift our commitment and support to David Bulova to ensure that the 37th remains Democratic! I plan on actively campaigning for David’s election, and I hope you will do the same. He ran a fair, honest campaign, and together we will work toward our common goals. David’s website is http://www.davidbulova.com –- please take a moment to visit and to offer your help and support.

Cheers!

Janet Oleszek