The Forward Party is focusing on state and local races, elevating leaders whose drive to use data to solve issues will deliver for their constituents in their communities
July 8, 2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Henrico, VA – The Forward Party in Virginia unveiled its endorsements of two Forward-aligned candidates for local Arlington County races in November 2024: Madison Granger, running for Member, County Board; and Dr. James “Vell” Rives, running for Member, School Board.
As a small business owner, Madison Granger works to improve her local economy. As a Member of the County Board, she hopes to make Arlington a place where others can afford to live and thrive.
“Madison challenges the status quo without being polarizing. As a candidate and a public servant, she will bridge divides within Arlington,” said Chris Hessler, Arlington County resident and Vice-Chair of the Forward Party in Virginia. “Madison is one of those rare individuals who appreciates the perspectives of others and truly puts herself in their shoes.”
On top of that, Madison has been a passionate advocate for ranked-choice voting (RCV) at both the local and state levels. The Forward Party in Virginia cited this advocacy in stating that it’s very fitting to have such an enthusiastic advocate run in the first general election in Virginia in which RCV will be used.
More information about Madison’s campaign can be found here: https://www.madison4countyboard.com/.
Dr. James “Vell” Rives is an Arlington county resident and parent of two children in the public school system. This experience has led him to be an advocate for the school system’s constituents and students, as well as the teachers. Vell believes a public school system should focus on its core mission of education and judge all its investments (which total half of the county’s budget), from facilities, to administration, to technology, by how well they support that mission.
To do that, Vell promotes using constituent input and data, rather than political biases, to inform policy decisions. “Vell knows that community input, an objective examination of data, and a focus on measurable results are crucial in making policies that will equip students to realize their dreams,” said Eric Richards, Chair of the Forward Party in Virginia.
Simply put, Vell wants the tax dollars of Arlington County residents to be well spent on the common responsibility that they share to educate students, teaching them how to be engaged citizens who are well equipped to thrive in the changing employment landscape of today and tomorrow. This desire by the candidate reflects the values of the Forward Party.
More information about Vell’s campaign can be found here: http://www.rives4sb.com.
Both candidates demonstrate independent mindsets and want to serve their constituents without the constraints of rigid party orthodoxies. They have embraced the broad-based Forward Party movement, which seeks to unite Americans who are more interested in solving problems than partisan fighting, whether they identify as Independents, Democrats, or Republicans. Madison and Vell have both pledged to uphold the Forward Party’s values, including respect for the rule of law and the Constitution; supporting and strengthening democracy; using data to find collaborative and effective solutions; building from the bottom up, not the top down; treating everyone with respect and dignity; and acting with ethics, integrity, and compassion.
These are principles on which to build a stronger nation, and Madison and Vell will be their champions in Arlington.
The Forward Party is bringing moderates, conservatives, and progressives together to heal our political divisions, find our shared ground, and create a brighter future for America. Forward Party candidates are accountable to the voters, and they will focus on solutions, not partisan fighting, in order to serve their constituents better. https://www.forwardparty.com