Monique Baroudi | MBforVirginia.com

When it comes to our government and our politics, there are very few people I meet who think things are going in the right direction — in the country or locally. We need new leadership. More of the same is not an option.

I am not a professional politician, and I don’t intend to become one. I am a mother, an active citizen, a neighbor and a friend. I am an optimist. I think we have a lot to look forward to. We live in the best country in the world. I am proud to be from Virginia, and I love my community. I moved into this district 26 years ago as a recent college graduate and have stayed in this district through five moves – from renting with college friends in Tysons Corner, to building our forever home in Oakton.

I am running because I care about the future and it is very clear to me that we need change. Our schools are not safe and seem to be more committed to indoctrinating children rather than teaching them important life skills like reading, writing and math. Our taxes discourage enterprise and our government regulations discourage innovation.

I am running to bring some common sense back to our government and to get our priorities straight. I want safe schools, safe streets and safe neighborhoods. I want an education system that teaches our children how to think, not what to think. I want to lower the tax burden on working Virginians and create a pro-business environment where good, high paying jobs are created.

We are not going to get that if we elect another typical Northern Virginia liberal Democrat. That’s why I ask for your vote.

Monique Baroudi is the 35th District GOP nominee for Virginia’s House of Delegates. Visit MBforVirginia.com to learn more, donate, or volunteer.