FAIRFAX PUBLIC SAFETY UNITES BEHIND WERKHEISER



Police, Fire, Sheriff's Deputies Endorsements Signal Major Shift in Race

(SPRINGFIELD, VA)--In a major development, Greg Werkheiser today announced the joint endorsement of the three key Fairfax County public safety organizations.  The endorsements by the Fairfax Coalition of Police, the Fairfax County Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics, and the Fairfax Deputy Sheriffs Coalition represent the first time that all three organizations have united behind one Delegate challenger in Fairfax County.

"I am honored to receive the endorsements of Fairfax County's public safety officers," said Werkheiser.  "They know that we can do better in Fairfax County.  I look forward to working together with them in Richmond to get our fair share of tax dollars back to Fairfax so we can keep Fairfax families safe and secure."

The combined endorsement represents a major shift in the dynamics of the race, which pits Democrat Werkheiser against the Chair of Virginia's Courts of Justice Committee, Republican Dave Albo.  In 2005, the Fairfax Coalition of Police endorsed Albo over Werkheiser, but they have shifted their endorsement in 2009.

"Dave Albo has become another typical politician and has put his own interests ahead of the safety and security of our community," said Marshall Thielen, President of the Fairfax Coalition of Police.  "From the Abusive Drivers Tax to securing fair funding for Fairfax County, Dave Albo has let us down.  We need Greg Werkheiser for Fairfax's police officers."

“Greg Werkheiser will stand up for Fairfax fire fighters, paramedics, and their families so that we can keep Fairfax residents safe,” said John Niemiec, President of the Fairfax Professional Fire Fighters & Paramedics.  “He supports the training, staffing, and equipment funding that will keep Fairfax fire fighters the best in Virginia.  Time and time again, Dave Albo has let us down.”

"Fairfax's Deputy Sheriffs rely on an independent voice in Richmond to make sure we have the resources to keep Fairfax families safe," said Kevin Pittman, President of the Fairfax Deputy Sheriffs Coalition.  "Dave Albo has voted against the funding Deputies need to do our jobs.  Greg Werkheiser is the right choice for Virginia's public safety employees."

Greg Werkheiser is the Democratic nominee for the 42nd House of Delegates District representing Springfield, Lorton, and Fairfax Station.  An attorney, educator, and nonprofit director, he lives with his wife, Marion, in the Charlestown neighborhood of Springfield.  They are expecting their first child this winter.  His website is www.gregfordelegate.com.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 10, 2009