Delegate Ken Plum's "Steps to Succession"

May 24, 2023

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Delegate Ken Plum has endorsed Karen Keys-Gamarra

to succeed him in the House of Delegates.

IN THIS ISSUE

Commentary: Steps to Succession
Bulletin Board
What Can I Do?
Check your Calendar

COMMENTARY

Steps to Succession

When I announced for elected office in 1972 I would never have thought it would be a half century later before I would help elect the person who would follow me. I lost several elections in the beginning of my pursuit of a seat in the House of Delegates but was successful in all elections since 1982. In total I ran in 29 elections and was successful in 26 of them. My total 44 years of service is the second longest in the 404 year history of the House of Delegates.

Leading to my retirement I did not feel it appropriate that I singularly attempt to pick my successor. After my retirement announcement a total of seven people spoke to me about their interest in running for the seat I was vacating. I tried to be encouraging but not committal to all. Four of those people are now running in a primary for the Democratic nomination to run in the general election in November to succeed me. The primary election early voting is now underway, and the primary election day is June 20. I encourage everyone to participate.

Over the past several decades I have published and made available to voters in the district a voter guide stating the persons for whom I intended to vote. Each election cycle numerous voters asked when my voter guide would be available as they used it to determine how to vote. Not surprisingly, over the past months voters have asked me how I plan to vote in the primary.

After fully considering all the candidates, I have decided to vote in the Democratic primary election on June 20 for Karen Keys-Gamarra. She reflects the progressive Democratic values I have always represented and has the depth of experience in public service that will enable her to go to work immediately. I encourage you to get to know her better at her website, karenkeysgamarra.com.

The outcome of the election is critically important as the winner of the primary is likely to win the general election. The Republican Governor will be in office for two more years, and Republicans are working hard to keep a majority in the House of Delegates and gain a majority in the Senate. We need members of the General Assembly who have experience to stand up to him and the Republicans in the legislature on women’s and LGBTQ+ rights, investing in our schools, protecting our environment, passing common sense laws to end gun violence, protecting voting rights for all persons, and other critical issues. I have found Karen Keys-Gamarra to have the real solid experience needed to get to work immediately on the issues I and the members of this district have expressed support for during my tenure! I hope you will join me in voting for her in the primary and the general election.

BULLETIN BOARD

Free Concert This Saturday!

Learn more at A Star-Spangled Salute.

Town of Vienna's Annual Festival Is This weekend!

Details are at Viva Vienna!

Summer Is Almost Here

Fairfax County Park Authority’s Summer Entertainment Series presents exciting

shows at 18 locations! Choose from 183 live performances. Learn more at

Summer Entertainment Series.

WHAT CAN I DO? CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

In-Person Early Voting Is Underway for June 20 Primary

Deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is June 9. Early voting locations are closed on Memorial Day, May 29, 2023. More is at Early Voting.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Saturday to Monday, May 27 to 29, ViVa Vienna Fesival. Enjoy live music, craft vendors, amusement rides, children's entertainment and a moving Memorial Day ceremony during this annual, three-day festival held on Church Street. ViVa Vienna is a beloved Memorial Day weekend tradition and is organized by the Vienna Rotary Club. Learn more and purchase tickets at ViVa Vienna.

Saturday, May 27, 7:30 p.m., Reston Chorale's Star-Spangled Salute, at Reston Town Center Pavilion. Bring a lawn chair and enjoy a free, patriotic concert in the Pavilion presented by The Reston Chorale with Brass Band of Northern Virginia. This annual event honors those who serve and remembers those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Sip & Stroll adult beverages from participating RTC restaurants within the event footprint. More is at Restonchoraleorg.

Thursday through Sunday, June 1-4,, Herndon Festival, at 200 Spring Street, Herndon, VA. Admission is free. Details, including schedule, directions, and entertainment is at Herndon Festival.

Saturday, June 3,, 9:00 a.m. to noon, First Responder & Safety Resource Fair, at the Fairfax County Criminal Justice Academy, 14601 Lee Road, Chantilly. The Arc of Northern Virginia is partnering with Fairfax County public safety agencies to hold a Safety Fair for people with disabilities to interact with first responders and learn about other available safety resources. Learn more and register at Safety Fair.

Saturday, June 3, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Reston Gardens of Note Tour 2023. Gardens of Note is a self-guided tour of five beautiful private gardens in Reston, Virginia, followed by an afternoon garden party at Hidden Lane Residential Landscapes. Combining two of the joys of life, gardens and music, Gardens of Note offers exclusive tours of five notable residential gardens throughout Reston. The event is presented by The Reston Chorale, in partnership with The Reston Garden Club. Learn more and purchase tickets at Gardens of Note.

Saturday, June 3, noon to 6:00 p.m., Reston Pride, at Lake Anne Plaza. The festival will offer our community access to vendors, performances, speakers, fun, festivities, and much more! More is at Reston Pride 2023.

Thursday, June 8, 9:00 to 10:00 a.m., Automotive Showcase, at Lake Braddock Secondary School. A special event showcasing the successful collaboration between the FCPS Career and Technical Education program, the Business and Community Partnerships team, and the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA).

This unique collaboration led to the donation of more than 20 vehicles that are not only being used as dynamic teaching tools in auto technology classrooms, but also sold through Foundation for Applied Technical Education (FATE), a not-for-profit organization that provides student training programs on auto sales and entrepreneurship. For more information contact Jay Garant.

Wednesday, June 14, 10:00 a.m., Gun Violence Awareness Vigil at National Rifle Association headquarters, 11250 Waples Mill Road, Fairfax. The vigil commemorates the anniversary of the day 26 children and educators were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Please DO NOT park in the NRA's parking lot. There is plenty of free parking in the office building lot on Fairfax Ridge Drive across Waples Mill Road. Signs and flags will be provided. Some protesters will drive past the NRA with signs taped to their car windows or doors; others will stand on the sidewalk.

Saturday, June 17, 5:00 p.m., Mosaic Harmony Annual Spring Concert "Sharing and Celebrating Songs of Joy!," at Unity of Fairfax, 2854 Hunter Mill Road, Oakton, VA. Learn more and purchase tickets at Spring Concert.

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