VBDC Candidate – Treasurer: Joel McDonald
Happy New Year!
As we’re winding down our holiday season, we now look forward to January 6th and the election of the members of the Virginia Beach Democratic Committee Steering Committee. Every nominee for your consideration brings a wealth of experience, varied talents, and strengths to the table. I am confident that the new leadership of the committee will make us a stronger and more competitive party locally.
Many of you I’ve met, and some I’ve not yet had the opportunity to meet. In this email, with the election just a few days away, I wanted to share a little about myself with you.
I celebrated my 25th birthday last September. I’ve always called Virginia Beach my home, even though my father was an NCO in the U.S. Air Force and we moved every few years. My mother grew up in Virginia Beach, and my parents were married here. I spent many summers visiting, and moved here in 2002.
I graduated from Bayside High School and the Virginia Beach Advanced Technology Center with honors in 2003. So far, I’ve earned my Associate in Information Technology from the University of Phoenix; however, starting this year, I will start coursework toward a B.A. in Political Science. I hope to attend law school once I’ve completed my undergraduate studies.
Since 2006, I’ve been the Data Support Specialist at Luxford Elementary here in Virginia Beach. I analyze student academic and demographic data to assist teachers and the school’s administration in planning improvement and targeting instruction. I’ve served as a member of the school’s Planning Council as a part of the Luxford Leadership Forum, and as a member of the school’s National Network of Partnership Schools Action Team. Last summer, I was appointed as the Treasurer of the Luxford Elementary PTA. In addition, I manage 15 after school extracurricular clubs for students, and have coached or co-sponsored Luxford’s running, computer, and drama clubs.
As with so many, I jumped into political action with the campaign of Barack Obama. I worked toward his primary election here in Virginia, and later toward his general election. During Obama’s campaign, I blogged about my experiences, which led to me launching Virginia Beach Progressives to share those experiences and encourage others to become involved. Since that time, thousands have visited the site for information on candidates and issues affecting Virginia Beach.
It wasn’t until after the 2008 election that I began to get involved with the Virginia Beach Democratic Committee, but I have tried to stay engaged since that time. Earlier this year, I became the VBDC webmaster and launched a redesign of the committee’s website. At this time, I am confident that I can effectively serve as the next Treasurer of the VBDC.
Please come out and take part in the next step for our local party. Come vote on January 6th. Whatever the outcome, I know that I will continue to work toward Democratic successes and the strength of our committee. I hope you will too.
Sincerely,
Joel McDonald
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