To the editor:

The Suffolk Democratic Committee consists of community leaders who are committed to facilitating and encouraging full participation of all of our citizens in choosing their elected officials, thus controlling their political destiny.

The committee works with other committees in meeting the Democratic Party of Virginia’s regional goals. Likewise, it embraces the overarching objective of the DPVA to elect Democratic leaders of character, integrity, ability and vision and who also have a commitment to delivering results for Virginians.

The Democratic Party of Virginia is the party that commits to delivering fiscal responsibility, ensuring excellence in education, reinvesting in our infrastructure, preserving a social safety net, providing accessible healthcare and creating economic opportunity for all Virginians. We are dedicated to protecting our inalienable rights and constitutional freedoms.

As Democrats, we know there is more that unites us than divides us and that working together, we will make our commonwealth and our nation a stronger and better place for all.

In keeping with its purpose of encouraging citizens to become more involved in the commonwealth’s political process, the Suffolk Democratic Committee recently hosted a cookout at the McAuliffe campaign office on West Washington Street. The guest for this overwhelmingly successful event was Dorothy McAuliffe, wife of candidate for governor, Terry McAuliffe.

The event was well-attended, and volunteers and guests enjoyed good food and company while hearing from Mrs. McAuliffe about the importance of the next election and the role of grassroots volunteers.

The committee’s recent event, its work and commitment from a strong corps of volunteers reflect the love our city, our commonwealth, our country and our American way of life.

Most of us are not politicians — just people who realize the importance of encouraging our fellow citizens to become involved in the political process at all levels of government.

So, it is with much gratitude and appreciation that we acknowledge the hard work and contributions of all committee members, supporters and attendees. Your individual and collective efforts, resulting in the great turnout and the event’s success, are a testament to the growing strength of the committee and its grassroots leadership.

We invite the community to join in the Democratic Committee’s efforts to help shape Suffolk’s bright future by supporting the diversity of our society as we work to strengthen our community and address issues that affect all of our citizens, including young people, women, African-Americans and other ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and other constituent groups.

Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at the Farm Fresh community room on Main Street, and are open to the public. You can find information about meetings and events at www.suffolkian.com/sdc.

And finally, please consider being a volunteer and becoming involved in the campaign to elect Terry McAuliffe, Ralph Northam, and Mark Herring.

Ben Goldberg

Chairman

Suffolk Democratic Committee