A LETTER FROM JESSE

"Alexandria is an amazing city. Every day I reflect on how fulfilled I am by this community, how it completes a part of me that I didn’t know I was missing until I lived here. I know that places like this don’t happen by accident, that they are sustained by the efforts and dedication of all of us who live here–so I feel called to help keep our city strong and thriving.

Alexandria is an amazing city, but it’s also not without real challenges. We’re a great place to raise a family, yet many parents struggle with access to high-quality childcare, affordable activities, and housing sufficient for their needs. Our parks, athletic facilities, and open spaces are not on par with the rest of the region and are strained to bursting by insufficient capacity.

We’re facing a city budget future with too many important priorities and obligations, yet too few effective tools at our disposal to meet those financial demands. I believe we can successfully address all those challenges and more – but only if we turn to serious leaders with serious solutions.

I’m running for City Council, because I love Alexandria, because I care about my friends and neighbors, and because I deeply believe in the model of servant leadership, informed by a Jesuit education that taught me to be a man for others. I’ve always measured success through the well-being and happiness of the people impacted by my actions and the growth of my community. I believe – deeply – in putting the needs of others first and see public service as an opportunity to solve problems for people, big and small. I'm here to work for a brighter future for all Alexandrians."

-JESSE O'CONNELL