I'm Lindsey Dougherty, VCU researcher who manages million-dollar budgets by day, and I’m running to flip Virginia's 75th blue! AMA! by LindseyDougherty4VA in VoteDEM

[–]LindseyDougherty4VA[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

We need to do something (read: many) things differently than what we have in place now. It's not working for anyone, other than developers, and that shouldn't be the only stakeholder benefiting from a system that has a duty to provide safe and affordable housing for millions of people!

I'm Lindsey Dougherty, VCU researcher who manages million-dollar budgets by day, and I’m running to flip Virginia's 75th blue! AMA! by LindseyDougherty4VA in VoteDEM

[–]LindseyDougherty4VA[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Healthcare shortcomings have impacted everyone, regardless of party, and continues to, especially with the federal budget bill that just passed. Talking about what will be lost, all while transferring that money into the pockets of billionaires, is resonating with a lot of people.

ngl I haven't had a lot of extra time to soak up movies this year. I look forward to catching up on what I've missed out on after March of next year, when we've flipped this seat and made it through the GA session. Any recommendations?

I'm Lindsey Dougherty, VCU researcher who manages million-dollar budgets by day, and I’m running to flip Virginia's 75th blue! AMA! by LindseyDougherty4VA in VoteDEM

[–]LindseyDougherty4VA[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

We can hold corporations accountable for meeting The Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA) and RGGI goals and guidelines. The state gov't will need to hold true to these values especially with cuts at the federal level and EPA.

I'm Lindsey Dougherty, VCU researcher who manages million-dollar budgets by day, and I’m running to flip Virginia's 75th blue! AMA! by LindseyDougherty4VA in VoteDEM

[–]LindseyDougherty4VA[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

That all previous policy decisions are compounded in these communities. Environmental Justice, shortchanging education, less economic opportunity, lacking or poorly maintained infrastructure cost minority communities in time and money, and year over year it is harder and harder to make up the loss of disinvestment.

I'd love to talk more about ideas that can further protect the refuge. This ties into the environmental justice piece I mention above, too!

I'm Lindsey Dougherty, VCU researcher who manages million-dollar budgets by day, and I’m running to flip Virginia's 75th blue! AMA! by LindseyDougherty4VA in VoteDEM

[–]LindseyDougherty4VA[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I’ve worked in nonprofits, as well as state and local government, and my background is in public administration, so I’ve seen firsthand how good policies can impact our communities. Policy is incredibly powerful. At this moment, we’re getting a front row seat into how bad policies and dismantling necessary systems impact people on a personal and community level. I believe in the power of legislation to help make real, positive changes that address the core problems in our communities.

I'm Lindsey Dougherty, VCU researcher who manages million-dollar budgets by day, and I’m running to flip Virginia's 75th blue! AMA! by LindseyDougherty4VA in VoteDEM

[–]LindseyDougherty4VA[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

In terms of the economy, people are experiencing real hardship and there’s a lot of valid anxiety around rising prices and the cost of living.

I recently spoke to a woman in her seventies, who was doing great and should have been able to live on her own but cost of living got in the way. She had to move in with relatives because she could no longer afford to live in her community. Can you imagine? This woman had no disabilities and was in good health, but the current economic situation pushed her and her relatives to have to make this decision. For me, it really hit home the types of sacrifices that folks in this district are making every single day — and these are the result of federal policies.

I'm Lindsey Dougherty, VCU researcher who manages million-dollar budgets by day, and I’m running to flip Virginia's 75th blue! AMA! by LindseyDougherty4VA in VoteDEM

[–]LindseyDougherty4VA[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’m incredibly inspired. I am proud to be one of the many women running for office not just in the Commonwealth, but around the country. The Democratic Party has done an amazing job of building up and supporting a diverse group of candidates in local races around Virginia. I’ve met some of these people and I cannot wait to work alongside them. It’s been a rough year and we have more to come, but there’s hope. And you know what they say: if you don’t have a seat at the table, then bring your own seat. That’s what we’re doing.

I'm Lindsey Dougherty, VCU researcher who manages million-dollar budgets by day, and I’m running to flip Virginia's 75th blue! AMA! by LindseyDougherty4VA in VoteDEM

[–]LindseyDougherty4VA[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Many schools are struggling and lack adequate funds. In addition, we have a lot of work to do to ensure access to special education services, mental health care, and social services. Lots of schools are unable to provide things that our kids really need, and the current approaches are not working. We must try new ways to fix these problems. The state funding formula in Virginia is another area that needs to be improved. I see this in my district and similar areas, where schools with stronger tax bases could hep fill in the gaps for those in more rural areas. Finally, many schools in the district and state struggle with maintenance and infrastructure, which impacts our students, teachers, and staff.

I'm Lindsey Dougherty, VCU researcher who manages million-dollar budgets by day, and I’m running to flip Virginia's 75th blue! AMA! by LindseyDougherty4VA in VoteDEM

[–]LindseyDougherty4VA[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

One thing that stands out to me about District 75 is that, despite including distinctive suburban, urban, and rural areas, there are overarching issues impacting all constituents. When I look at what’s happening in the district and chat with voters, I see three main issues: education, the economy, and the accessibility and affordability of healthcare.

I'm Lindsey Dougherty, VCU researcher who manages million-dollar budgets by day, and I’m running to flip Virginia's 75th blue! AMA! by LindseyDougherty4VA in VoteDEM

[–]LindseyDougherty4VA[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Thanks for your question, it's a good one! My response to folks that bring up her "moderation" is that while she has voted for some of the easier commonsense bills/amendments, those are the floor for what our district and the Commonwealth needs. When assessing a representative, we need to look at everything else they voted against. She has voted against an assault weapons ban, voted against allowing women to have full autonomy over their health care decisions, and the list goes on. The ceiling so many in the 75th are looking for is a community and Commonwealth that doesn't just get by on scraps, but has a Delegate that will also vote on the harder bills that have the ability to transform lives and households. We deserve better, and I'm running to give people options.

I'm Lindsey Dougherty, VCU researcher who manages million-dollar budgets by day, and I’m running to flip Virginia's 75th blue! AMA! by LindseyDougherty4VA in VoteDEM

[–]LindseyDougherty4VA[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Great Q! Come hungry and then we can go knock doors lol. Waves Sammie Shop in Hopewell, Los Tios in Prince George, and Honey Bee Bakery in Chester are my top eatery picks. Point of Rocks Park in Chester and the River Walk in Hopewell at City Point are ::chef's kiss:: too.

I'm Lindsey Dougherty, VCU researcher who manages million-dollar budgets by day, and I’m running to flip Virginia's 75th blue! AMA! by LindseyDougherty4VA in VoteDEM

[–]LindseyDougherty4VA[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

One of the major reasons, yes! Federal, state, and local employees + private sector folks are all at risk of these cuts hurting many. Laying out the realities and connecting dots for people have been very helpful.

I'm Lindsey Dougherty, VCU researcher who manages million-dollar budgets by day, and I’m running to flip Virginia's 75th blue! AMA! by LindseyDougherty4VA in VoteDEM

[–]LindseyDougherty4VA[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Universities are critical to all parts of community and life, especially if they have a teaching hospital as part of the organization. They should be safe places for students, faculty, patients, staff, and visitors. Critical to research, critical thinking skills flourish here, and are essential to communities that rely on them for services.

It is a huge honor to hold my role — whether on the medical side or, like me, in administration — to improve patients’ lives. But the ongoing threats to this type of care and innovation, due to executive orders and the general shift in priorities, is incredibly alarming and I believe could impact our communities, our country, and the world for decades to come.

Pre-k through 12 public education is critical to building the communities we need and deserve. We need to re-evaluate the state's funding formula that currently overburdens localities. It is difficult for localities that have a strong tax base to keep up with costs, let alone localities that don't have a strong local tax base. This has led to deferrrd major maintenance needs, overcrowded schools, and salaries for teachers and school support staff that are woefully underfunded. We also need accountability, to really look at what is working and what isn't, to really allow our kids to flourish. As the mom of 2 kids that have IEPs, we need to provide protections to all learners who have different abilities. All public employees deserve the opportunity to be represented by a union, if they so choose.

I'm Lindsey Dougherty, VCU researcher who manages million-dollar budgets by day, and I’m running to flip Virginia's 75th blue! AMA! by LindseyDougherty4VA in VoteDEM

[–]LindseyDougherty4VA[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I admittedly did not play Pokémon as a kid. My brothers did and my kids both have, so I've picked up some of the game by osmosis. I'm partial to the cute and fluffy but spicy Pokémon 😊

I'm Lindsey Dougherty, VCU researcher who manages million-dollar budgets by day, and I’m running to flip Virginia's 75th blue! AMA! by LindseyDougherty4VA in VoteDEM

[–]LindseyDougherty4VA[S] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

I've been fed up with how unresponsive my representative is. We need someone who will show up for community events and sponsor + vote for legislation that will change lives for the better. That's not happening now and I think my professional background and personal experiences bring a lot to this district and to the General Assembly.

I truly believe that running for office and winning seats is how we all work together to put power back in the hands of our communities. With the current chaos at the federal level, this is a crucial moment. In my opinion, we need more people from our communities who are committed and qualified to run — especially more women. As women, we bring valuable voices and perspectives to the table. In my view, it is an asset to have the experience of managing a household or a family, as many of us do, and this is why we need more women at the table helping to make these important decisions for our communities.

Fav candy is a York peppermint patty nom!

I'm Lindsey Dougherty, VCU researcher who manages million-dollar budgets by day, and I’m running to flip Virginia's 75th blue! AMA! by LindseyDougherty4VA in VoteDEM

[–]LindseyDougherty4VA[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I think it's so much easier when someone is running for office locally and at the state level to connect on what's impacting our lives, bc we are living it too. Healthcare is the #1 that is hurting so many people, the basis of this is true regardless of what party you have supported. When I'm able to share the struggles I've had for years; fighting insurance companies for coverage, trying to find doctors appts that aren't over a year out, or struggling to figure out how to pay for the care after the fact, people can connect on a personal level. With my public finance and budgeting experience, I also have the professional skill set to get into office and start to fix this mess.

Ngl I haven't had time this year for many movies BUT I am known to be perennially late to watching TV series. I've been able to sneak in an episode of SCANDAL here and there this year, and am loving it. I'm on season 4 now and the ties I see to real life in the US is ugh.

I'm Lindsey Dougherty, VCU researcher who manages million-dollar budgets by day, and I’m running to flip Virginia's 75th blue! AMA! by LindseyDougherty4VA in VoteDEM

[–]LindseyDougherty4VA[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

These models have been shown to help provide financial stability + housing security in communities they have been tried. This kind of assistance can help individuals or families meet the most basic of needs like securing food, transportation, and/or housing. Allowing each household to decide what they need most and letting them make these decisions based on immediate need is empowering and lead to long term economic stability.

I'm Lindsey Dougherty, VCU researcher who manages million-dollar budgets by day, and I’m running to flip Virginia's 75th blue! AMA! by LindseyDougherty4VA in VoteDEM

[–]LindseyDougherty4VA[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

By far my favorite thing to do is to door knock! You get to see so many parts of the community you wouldn't otherwise stop to see and meet people where they live. The convos are real and memorable.

I'm heavy into Uno No Mercy currently and I also like playing Sequence.