Progressive Candidate for Virginia’s 25th District, Angela Lynn, on the Neglect of Rural Communities
Driving down the roads of central Virginia, it is hard not to notice the beauty of the countryside: the changing leaves, the crisp fall air, the signs of an end to a long, hot summer. The images of this idyllic landscape can make it easy to forget the issues that plague rural counties around the nation, especially in Virginia.
Too often in American politics, rural areas have been passed over and neglected. Their issues have been deemed as trivial and antiquated or worse: forgotten altogether. How can rural residents hope to achieve the American Dream if their voices fall on deaf ears? Every day in my own district, I hear the stories of the men and women living in rural Virginia who feel ignored by the men and women they had chosen as their representatives in Richmond.
To many, education is seen as the key for upward mobility and the “American Dream.” As rural areas see their public schools slip into disarray, this dream seems further and further away. Today, barely half of rural schools have the means to offer advanced placement courses, compared to the 97% of urban schools who are able to do so. Rural schools will only be further damaged by the ill-guided policies of Betsy DeVos—policies that my opponent, Steve Landes, endorses. As a former public school teacher myself, I know the powerful impact that an education can have on a child. It is time to stop playing politics with our children’s dreams and empower these young students to reach their full potential.
In a 21st century world, it is unacceptable that many rural residents still lack access to quality Internet services. Internet access is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. It is an essential utility and without it, people in rural areas are at a clear disadvantage. Think of all of the things you use the internet for today. Without Internet, you cannot access your email, read news sources, pay bills online, use social networks, access a GPS, or look up information. Providing these counties Internet will not only give constituents in rural areas their voices back, but help improve our economy and Commonwealth as a whole. This digital divide leaves rural residents unable to enter a job market that increasingly requires technological fluency. If rural residents do not have access to online employment resources or academic instructional tools, then upward mobility becomes nearly impossible. Without broadband expansion, the American Dream will continue to be inaccessible to rural Virginians. It is time that government officials stop pandering to the wallets of the Washington telecommunications lobby and give the residents of rural Virginia back their voice.
Rural communities do not need a savior: they need an audience. I decided to seek public office because I wanted to amplify the voices of those I represent, not cater to the whims of big business. My opponent, Steve Landes, has paid no attention to the rural residents of Virginia’s 25th district. How can he be trusted to speak on behalf of his constituents if he makes no effort to hear them? Landes shields himself from this district’s residents, instead preferring to cozy up with big business. After accepting nearly $400,000 in campaign contributions in the past 7 years, Steve Landes cannot be trusted to put the interests of Virginians above those of special interest.
My district--Albemarle, Augusta and Rockingham counties--is one of the most beautiful areas of Virginia. This is a land of Blue Mountains, hidden waterfalls, rolling hills, and skyline drives. This is a land of hope and a willingness to fight for change. This is a land that I am proud to call home. Together, I hope to bring residents of rural Virginia the change they deserve.
Donate today to help me in my fight to raise up the voices of Virginia’s rural residents.
Angela Lynn
25th District House of Delegates