Can I tell you the story of how I first got involved in politics, John?

When my boys were young, my husband and I were both working full-time. I worked the night shift at the Chapel Hill Police Department, would get off work at 7am and go straight to their classrooms to volunteer. Throughout this experience I discovered that kids, especially Black and brown kids, were being underserved. When I could do nothing more as a volunteer, I ran for School Board.

During my time on the school board, I fought for better funding for our schools. I felt that the county was not adequately funding schools, so because I could do nothing more on the School Board, I ran for Orange County Commissioner.

During my time as County Commissioner, I championed the construction of two schools, two senior centers, affordable housing initiatives, and more. Eventually, I reached a point where I could do nothing more as County Commissioner, so I ran for State House.

Are you sensing a theme, John?

I got into this line of work in pursuit of building a better life for my community — and there is still SO much more I can do.

That’s why I’m running for re-election. If you’re with me in the fight to continue making progress for the people and communities that we love — will you chip in $5 or more to help me defend my seat?

— Valerie