To the Editor:
I’ve known Allison Silberberg for more than 30 years. I wish I could say we’re only 31, but it seems like yesterday when Allison and I used to live in the same dormitory at American University. We’d have fun conversations going back and forth to campus while we were both pursuing our undergraduate degrees in international studies. During late nights when I worked as a desk receptionist in the dorm, Allison used to stop by and chat while we’d eagerly await the delivery of fresh Krispy Kreme donuts!
Allison went on to accomplish great things with her many talents and has dedicated her life to helping others. From serving as founder/executive director of Lights, Camera, Action!, where she mentored youth in Anacostia, to her leadership of Alexandria’s Economic Opportunities Commission where she established the organization’s annual public service day, “All Hands on Deck,” and led the makeover of the Alexandria Community Shelter, Allison never stops thinking about what can be done to help our community’s most vulnerable citizens. She has an uncanny ability to listen, take action and circle around to make sure what she’s doing is having impact.
Throughout her life, Allison has proven she’s a passionate advocate for affordable housing and job creation. She has effectively applied her strong communications skills to achieving what many can only dream of, such as writing the highly acclaimed book, “Visionaries In Our Midst,” a fabulous book that profiles everyday individuals making a difference in their local communities. It’s not surprising Allison authored a book about community heroes, as she in fact is one herself in Alexandria.
Allison is exactly the kind of leader Alexandria needs on our City Council. She’s smart, funny, thoughtful, considerate, kind, compassionate, and downright authentic with boundless energy. She never stops thinking about what can be done to make Alexandria a better place to live, work, and raise a family.
In an era when far too few women hold public office, Allison is “a voice of reason,” as our beloved former Mayor/State Sen. Patsy Ticer has called her. On Alexandria City Council, she will make a big difference for our community’s children, families, senior citizens, and hard-working women and men. She’s been endorsed by teachers, Alexandria’s Committee of Police Local 5, Alexandria’s Virginia Labor Federation AFL-CIO, Virginia Partisans – PAC of the LGBT Democrats of Virginia, EMILY’s List, and a long list of trusted and respected political leaders across the region.
Alexandria needs Allison Silberberg on our City Council. Please vote for Allison on Nov. 6.
Eileen Cassidy Rivera
Eileen Cassidy Rivera served on the School Board of Alexandria City Public Schools (2006-09).