Mike Van Meter — Navy veteran, former law enforcement officer, and now therapist — is the GOP nominee for Virginia Senate in District 33, which includes Burke and other sections of Fairfax County as well as Prince William County.

After graduating from the University of Florida, Van Meter served for eight years in the Navy as a helicopter pilot, during which he earned a master’s degree in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma. Van Meter later worked as a D.C. police officer and then served in the FBI for 20 years. Now a therapist, Van Meter specializes in addiction treatment and recovery. He recently earned a second master’s degree, in addiction counseling, from the Betty Ford Graduate School.

On the campaign trail, Van Meter is focused on defending the rights and best interests all 33rd District residents. On his website, VanMeterForVirginia.com, the candidate outlines his reform-minded agenda:

• REDUCE CRIME: “Defunding and attacking our police are not the answer. What we should be doing is to improve training, increase funding for specialized training units, and look for ways to assist police in not just enforcing laws, but helping and educating our community.”
• IMPROVE THE ECONOMY: “We must find ways to reduce taxes and promote economic growth so that every Virginian can enjoy economic growth and prosperity. Virginia must attract and retain as much business as possible so that we can drive opportunities that will help us realize our economic potential.”
• EDUCATE, DON’T INDOCTRINATE: “Our schools should not be used for political indoctrination. Our schools should be the places where our students are learning the foundations that will make them competitive in a global marketplace.”
• PROTECT THE 2ND AMENDMENT: “Americans have the right to bear arms, this is enshrined in our constitution. I will protect this freedom knowing that those who hurt others should be punished and not law-abiding Virginians.”

Back in March, Van Meter joined WMAL’s O’Connor & Company radio program to discuss his vision of a better Virginia. “As I go around and I talk with voters, people are very fed up with the crime rate,” Van Meter told co-hosts Larry O’Connor and Julie Gunlock. “I am equipped to deal with this particular issue — something needs to be done about it.”

LISTEN:

To learn more, donate, or get involved, visit VanMeterForVirginia.com today!