I am a native Virginian, born and raised in Richmond, and a 1965
graduate of the city’s Armstrong High School. My late parents, David Sr.
and Helen Temple instilled the values of Christian faith, and a deep
commitment to public service. Indeed, after earning two degrees from the
University of Virginia I was nominated in 1981 to the Virginia House of
Delegates by Fairfax County Democrats, falling short of winning by 400-plus votes in a 98 percent white electorate. I managed former Gov. Douglas Wilder’s northern Virginia lieutenant governor campaign. I returned to Richmond in 1986-1990 to serve in Gov. Gerald Baliles’s cabinet as Deputy Secretary of Education. And I joined with others during that time to
create a new state Department of Juvenile Justice, serving as
vice-chair.
Throughout the years I have continued my public service and
in helping to elect worthy and solid candidates to serve us.
Today, I evidence that service commitment in urging my northern Virginia
friends, neighbors and all Virginians to vote for my friend, Justin
Fairfax for lieutenant governor in the June 13 Democratic Party primary.
Four years ago, and not yet a household name, Justin came within a hair
of being nominated for Virginia Attorney General, receiving also an earlier
and ringing endorsement from the Washington Post. As a former federal
prosecutor, Justin seeks to intervene in the “cradle-to-prison pipeline”
with enhanced economic security and education-workforce skills
development, with juvenile justice reforms, refinancing student loan
debt, and expanding Medicaid. Saving lives and taxpayer dollars.
But there is more, perhaps far more. It is his sincerity and respect for
others. He listens to the person who engages his attention. His eyes
are on yours. His gaze does not wander. If pulled away he returns to
listening, then responding if appropriate or requested. Most pols
periscope the room in such moments, soon gone to the next conversation.
Justin learns through listening. And he remembers.
He is an African American man and husband with a beautiful loving
family, with two kids, a boy and a girl, both wearing the face of both
parents. He has an easy humor, and a quick wit. His is a broad toothy
smile, and a big hearty, room-filling laugh. Lastly, he has a broad
appeal, across regions, across races. We can help erase the devastating
mistake that happened last November. The entire nation and planet are
watching what Virginians do on June 13 and in November. Demonstrate
optimism and hope for the future. Vote for Justin Fairfax for Virginia lieutenant governor in the Democratic Primary.
David L. Temple, Jr
Alexandria