New Kent Charles City Chronicle

News for New Kent County and Charles City County, Virginia | March 28, 2024

Letter to the Editor: Expects Delegate Peace to do more for district

By Community Member | November 10, 2017 5:03 pm

In 2017, 33,656 constituents voted in the election for the 97th District representative, more than any of the previous races. Obviously the higher turn out was due to the races at the top of the ticket, but as national politics play out over the next few years, we’d be well advised to pay attention to the voters of the 97th District.

Having run four races unopposed, and then another race against a candidate that you outspent 62:1, I’m sure Del. Chris Peace viewed Cori Johnson’s candidacy as seriously as an elephant might view a gnat. But upon closer inspection, there’s something interesting about the numbers. The number of votes cast against Peace more than doubled between 2015 and 2017, a seven percent increase.

There are two truths to be gleaned from the numbers; Peace won the 2017 election for the 97th District, but yet is losing support among voters. Del. Peace made several public comments regarding a feeling of humility in his position in the Virginia legislature and how his faith influences him.

Philippians 2:3 in the Bible says, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” I’d like for Del. Peace to reflect on that. I encourage him to clothe himself in that spirit of humility and engage with others who disagree with his viewpoints.

I want Del. Peace to hold regular town halls, listed to his fellow citizens, and be aware of the danger of insulating himself in a bubble surrounded by only those who nod their heads in agreement. He was voted in to benefit the citizens of the 97th District and not for the benefit of a political party.

It is Del. Peace’s responsibility as a legislator to represent the interest of the voters in the district. As recent election numbers clearly show, a growing number of voters feel that you are failing to do so.

Andrea Brandenburger
New Kent