The People’s Delegate
The People’s Delegate
Today, we are excited to announce our endorsement of Richard Walker for House of Delegates in the 71st district.
Corporate control has dominated governance in Virginia for too long. Corporations like Dominion Energy and Amazon exert enormous influence on many lawmakers at the General Assembly through campaign contributions and nearly unlimited resources for lobbyists and litigation. Even under Democratic control of the General Assembly and Governor’s office, reforms and initiatives that have broad, majority support are defeated or watered-down. We are in the midst of an environmental, economic and public health crisis, and we need leaders who will take on corporate influence to make sure Vriginia’s government truly improves the lives of all people, not just the wealthy or privileged few. Richard Walker is that leader.
With roots in Union Hill, a historically Black community established by formerly enslaved people in Buckingham County, Richard fought back and won when Dominion attempted to build fossil fuel infrastructure through the heart of the people’s land. This clear example of environmental racism would have polluted the air and made the area unsafe for residents. Richard was at the center of a broad coalition that included people from across the state to fight back against this plan and won. Richard will take his skill and passion for building coalitions based on justice for all to the General Assembly..
Richard is also calling for major ethics reforms in campaign finance. In his campaign, he is refusing donations from corporations, including public utilities like Dominion, Appalachian Power, and Amazon. When he is in office, he will work to reform Virginia’s historically lax campaign finance system by placing a cap on contributions. We know that large contributions from wealthy corporations and individuals corrupt governance in our capital; the economically powerful have an outsized influence on legislators and that that must stop. Richard will ensure that the people have the power instead.
As a formerly incarcerated individual, Richard works tirelessly to advocate for the formerly incarcerated and helps them as they return to society. Richard has been instrumental in getting the rights restored of over 10,000 formerly incarcerated Virginians. He has worked to pass fair chance hiring policy in over 20 municipalities, including at Richmond Public Schools, and ultimately helped influence the signing of Executive Order 41, which banned asking about criminal history on job applications.
Even after the uprising this summer, we have yet again seen legislators fail to pass crucial criminal justice reforms. Many have postured as leaders in the fight, but have failed to deliver. Richard will fight harder to protect the rights of those criminal justice reform is meant to protect and empower. He will work to end the practice of stripping people of their civil rights and build a system that supports people at all points.
Richard will fight to fully fund public goods in our state, including public education and a Green New Deal. Changes to the education and energy systems must be paired with a repeal of “Right To Work” laws that prevent achieving economic justice. Virginia has one of the lowest rates of per pupil funding and teacher pay. For years, our legislature has left the constitutionally mandated Standards of Quality underfunded. He will fight to ensure that wealthy individuals and corporations pay their fair share to support public goods like education and sustainable energy infrastructure. Richard will ensure that teachers get a fair wage and students receive the education they deserve. Richard will make sure that the transition to sustainable energy we need will be done on an equitable basis, that brings along communities most affected by the ruinous energy policy and practices of the past decades.
Richard Walker is running to be the People’s Delegate. In all of his work, he has shown the ability to build coalitions and move Virginia towards justice for all with integrity. His campaign will be people-powered, as will his governance. Richmond For All is proud to support Richard Walker.
