Sara Townsend, a former teacher, has announced her run for delegate in Virginia’s 31st district – which includes Fauquier and Prince William County.
Delegate Scott Lingamfelter, her opponent in the race, is the long-time incumbent for the seat, serving as a delegate since 2002.
Townsend has a Master’s degree, and is currently a PhD student studying educational policy at George Mason University.
In the community, Townsend has worked as a volunteer with the United States Pony Club, as well as a team leader for a school curriculum development group in Virginia Beach.
According to Townsend, her career in the teaching field inspired her to run for public office.
“I loved being a teacher, and always wanted to be a teacher, but saw a lot of things over the years that made me exit…in those four years I saw a lot of friends leaving the profession – they loved their profession, loved their students…and they were just burning out, incredibly quickly. And there aren’t enough teachers involved in writing policy,” said Townsend.
During her campaign, Townsend plans to address teacher pay and attrition, alternative energy sources and bringing more businesses and jobs to the district.
“We need to be thinking long term…I think we should invest in some alternative energy resources, thinking again – what do we [want] to look like 50 years from now? Are what are going to be relying on for energy sources,” commented Townsend.
She currently lives in Catlett, in Fauquier County.
