Americans have lost faith in government — and with good reason. Across the country, billionaires and special interests pour millions into campaigns, drowning out the voices of ordinary citizens. Here in Virginia, we have some of the weakest campaign finance laws in the nation: no contribution limits, lax disclosure laws, and  little oversight.

But change can start locally — and it already has. The Blacksburg Town Council voted unanimously on August 12th to pass a resolution in support of campaign finance reform. This followed on the heels of school students taking action in Leesburg, urging their Town Council to pass a resolution supporting efforts to get big money out of politics. As Evie Nyilasi, one of those students, put it powerfully:

“Our government is meant to serve the people, not corporations, super PACs, or wealthy donors.”

Now it’s time to send a message which will go to all of the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors listed below. Will they agree to make a public statement and approve a similar resolution? Take a minute and send a short letter today to our County leaders that the people demand action. Let’s make Virginia a place where every voice counts, not just those backed by big money. Together, we can help restore faith in our democracy — and remind our elected officials who they truly serve.

Edwin W Broaddus, Richard R. Gerhardt, A. Regan Washer, Daron L. Culbertson, Kevin T. Carter