To the Editor:
I am writing to endorse John Wandling in the June 13 Democratic Primary. I met John nearly 20 years ago through our shared pastime of sailing. Over those years, I have learned that as an Army veteran, John attended college on the GI Bill, furthered his education with a Master’s Degree in Computer Science, and spent his career in the IT field, retiring from the City of Hampton as IT Director.

He is a devoted family man with more than 50 years of marriage to his wife Becky along with four children and nine grandchildren.

John is smart and knows how to get things done. During his career as a software developer and IT Manager, John worked with both Republican and Democrat administrations at all levels of government, local, state and federal.

His ability to understand and solve problems related to government processes in defense, law enforcement, finance and accounting, taxation, and revenue were major factors for his successful career.

I share John’s progressive point of view regarding nonpartisan redistricting, support for our public school children and educators, support for Career Technical Education as a pathway for better paying jobs, protecting our Chesapeake watershed for pleasure and commercial users, and conserving the rural heritage of our District.

John’s “People First Leadership,” which is consulting with constituents before moving forward, along with his intellect, work ethic and values are strong attributes for the job of delegate.

With the threatened federal budget cuts regarding health care, restoring the Chesapeake Bay and many other areas, Virginia will need to step up to protect the people of Virginia and their natural resources.

Now is the time to send a person to the Virginia House that can cross the aisle and get things done, that’s why I support John Wandling for delegate.

James S. Groves
Smithfield