Candidate: Sasha Gong
Office: State House
District: 46th House District
State: Virginia
Website: www.sashagong.net
Why are you running?
I am running because I think I can bring a fresh perspective to the Virginia State Legislature. As a first generation American who underwent great hardship in my original country, including being imprisoned for demanding democracy, I have a special appreciation for the freedom and rule of law we enjoy in the United States. At this turning point in our history, I want to remind people about these basic American values with my candidacy. If I am elected, I will fight very hard to protect their rights.
What issues are you most passionate about?
Education and political participation. First, I am a trained educator, and very-well-traveled. English is my third language. I worry about our education system lagging behind in the new global economy. We must look for new solutions to prepare our next generation to compete and succeed, while retaining our traditional values, which are the backbone of this nation. Second, I will work very hard to enfranchise new citizens. A large percentage of new citizens need assistance to become involved in our democracy. Turning immigrants into citizens has always been the greatest strength of the American society.
What is your greatest strength?
My greatest strength is the breadth and depth of my experience. I have a unique resumé. I came from a very humble background in China. I never had the opportunity to finish elementary school, and I did manual labor for more than a decade before going back to school. I came to this country with $20 in my shoes, which was the safest place to put it. Despite my Ivy League education - I received a fully funded fellowship from Harvard - I always feel for ordinary people, and identify with them. Moreover, I am notorious for speaking my mind. This quality, which turned me into a political prisoner in China, will make me an effective legislator here in America. It’s what democracy is all about.
When you win, how do you intend to make a difference?
I will work hard, and listen carefully. My constituents will always have my ear. I will keep them informed and educate myself and them about the issues. They will also hear from me often. It is not right, or healthy, that most qualified voters don’t even know the names of their local representatives. I am a great fan of Alexis de Tocqueville, who waxed eloquently about the importance of local representation in American democracy. In this time of constant and rapid expansion of the federal government, active and strong local representation will be crucial to the future of our democracy.
Get To Know This Candidate: Personal Reflections
I was born in China. At age nine, my family was forced from our home in the city by the communists and sent to a small village. It affected my early education, because from age nine I was forced to work on a farm and, later, in a factory. I witnessed firsthand the brutality and inhumanity of a totalitarian system, and to this day I remain strongly suspicious of government when it becomes too powerful and intrusive....Because of my “counterrevolutionary” writing, the Chinese government sent me to prison for a year in the 1970s. It gave me a lot of time to think about who I am and what I stand for.___Sasha Gong
Hi, Tito, Thank you so much for posting the photo, and for all your help, too! Do you know when and where the next dinner will be? I will post the event in my facebook. Sasha
Sasha and I are members of a Conservative outreach dinner group that meets at small business owners' restaurants every month and we have a great time discussing politics and meeting other concerned citizens who are interested in finding solutions.
Last weekend I had the pleasure to help Sasha Gong connect with Latino voters. We went to the Chirilagua festival and she was greeting many possible voters of her 46th district. (She was working like Speedy Gonzales)
I want to tell my fellow Republicans that Sasha is a great candidate; she has the desire to win, the tenacity to face the challenges; she is energized and the most important thing is that Sasha understands the problems that we face in our nation and how these problems affect us at the local level.
Please, I encourage you to look at Sasha’s campaign and if you have time, talk to her. She is the kind of Leader that we need at the HOD. Sasha Gong has my support on her quest for the 46th District seat and she would appreciate your support also.
Friends of Sasha Gong need help canvassing in Alexandria - James Polk precinct -- this Saturday, June 20 in the morning. In the afternoon we could use help handing out fliers at a festival in Alexandria. Contact Doug Brooks at 703-915-6194. Thank you!
Sasha will be at the Beatley Library on Tuesday, May 26 (5005 Duke St, Alexandria) from 1:30pm-7pm to meet residents in the Beatley Precinct -- if you are in the area on Tuesday, please stop by the Library.
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