The Connection’s Oct. 4 article on the Virginia House of Delegates race in the 34th District ("Pendulum Politics in Northern Virginia"), is a must read for any voter in the district. Del. Kathleen Murphy, running for re-election in the district that includes McLean, Great Falls and part of Sterling in Loudoun County, has a proven track-record in three legislative sessions, where she has introduced bills to address the class size problem in public schools, keep guns out of the hands of domestic abusers, and help rein in predatory for-profit colleges that take advantage of veterans and other students.

Murphy also has outstanding constituent services. I have personally seen her work with the Virginia Department of Transportation in helping my neighborhood win improvements to the plans for widening Route 7. She not only tackled the problem personally but enlisted other local officials to join her in developing a design that was accepted by both VDOT and the community.

The GOP challenger has no government experience and fails to provide specific policy proposals on the issues raised in the campaign. I, for one, am wary of any candidate who needs on the job training. Our recent experience in national politics highlights the risks of electing an official that needs training wheels. We deserve experienced and professional representation, and we have that in Kathleen Murphy.

J. Jay Volkert. Ph.D.

Vienna