4 issues for the Northern Virginia Greens

Hello readers-

The Northern Virginia Green Party has been working on our slate of top issues to continue organizing and outreach around, and to serve as a focus of any possible electoral activity.

Here they are, the 'fantastic four' - they include the issue, the value statement that underlies the Green Party thought on the issue, and the policy statement that follows.

1. ISSUE: Smart, sustainable, local development. VALUE STATEMENT: We believe that everyone should be able to support themselves and their family through the value of their work. Creating a vibrant, sustainable, and diverse local economy is essential to sustaining and improving the quality of life for everyone in Northern VA. POLICY STATEMENT: The Green Party stands in support of Northern VA small business, and advocates for the robust support of local small business owners who provide the majority of job opportunities and growth in this region. Northern VA governmental efforts and public development funds should be directed to support locally owned small to mid-sized businesses, and not used to subsidize the corporate welfare of large multinational companies.
2. ISSUE: Green jobs and renewable energy. VALUE STATEMENT: We believe that responsible stewardship of our natural resources is the moral duty to current and future residents of the region. Our prosperity and economic development depend on developing new forms of sustainable energy. POLICY STATEMENT: The Green Party supports the development and use of renewable and zero-emission energy sources. The highly educated human resources, and technologically advanced capital resources of Northern VA should be directed to creation of thousands of new Green Jobs focused on creating new, cleaner energy sources.
3. ISSUE: Full support of our soldiers and veterans. VALUE STATEMENT: Soldiers and veterans who have taken an oath to protect our nation and citizens have more than earned the right of full support when they return from service and/or re-enter civilian life. POLICY STATEMENT: The Green Party supports soldiers and veterans in our region. Medical care, psychological care, education, job training are the focus of Green Party programs that honor the dedication and sacrifice our citizens soldiers are called to make for their country.
4. ISSUE: Fair trade and local/regional trade. VALUE STATEMENT: We believe that a strong local and regional economy based on fair trade is vital to supplying meaningful work, respecting the rights of the individual, and supporting a decent standard of living for all in the region. POLICY STATEMENT: The Green Party supports the growth and development of local and regional markets through new and enhanced "Buy Local" programs, the establishment of regional trade links, and working to link local consumers with local and regional small business.

Questions, comments? Let me know!