Providence Candidate Charlie Hall Embraces MySpace and FaceBook to Learn About the Concerns of Young Citizens, Especially Regarding Schools
Hall's commitment to listening to citizens means reaching out to young adults in the social networking websites where they best communicate
April 30, 2007

Charlie Hall, candidate for County Supervisor for Providence District, today established his presence on www.MySpace.com and www.FaceBook.com, in order to reach out to and learn more about the younger generation in Providence District. MySpace and FaceBook have been communications phenomena for young people in recent years, allowing the rapid electronic sharing of information and messages in a form now very comfortable to younger generations.¹

"News releases and print media and even electronic media outlets aren't enough in this day and age to reach young adults and learn what they care about. I made it a central pledge of my campaign to listen to what citizens have to say. That means all citizens, including those just coming of age."

Hall noted that young adults in Providence who will be eighteen by the November 6, 2007 election for Fairfax Supervisors can vote in the Democratic primary on June 12, 2007, in which he is challenging incumbent Linda Smyth for the Providence District seat. Registration is required by May 12, 2007, and Hall's MySpace and Facebook profiles include information about how to register.

"Your first vote is something you remember all your life," Hall said. "Young voters in Providence now have the unique opportunity to vote on local issues of concern to them, particularly schools."

Hall's concerns about Fairfax schools include:

• A 10-year backlog in capital projects (buildings, renovations, repairs, etc.)

• Long waits for construction of modular units for additions and trailer replacements

• Overcrowded schools, resulting in:

• Overburdened cafeterias - staggered lunch times that begin before 10:00 AM and end near 2:00 PM

• Overburdened gymnasiums, playground and athletic facilities - shortened PE classes and recesses to maximize "throughput" of students, at a time when children's fitness and obesity are major concerns

• Overburdened libraries - abbreviated library sessions trying to squeeze everyone in, when we're focusing on "No Child Left Behind"

• Unsafe "temporary" trailers that have become permanent fixture at too many schools, which on April 16, 2007 caused the entire County school system to close due to hazards from high winds²

"Does this sound like the school system of one of the wealthiest and best educated counties in the nation?" Hall asked. "I want to hear about the experiences of our youngest constituents and make sure that fixing these problems becomes a priority."

¹ See generally: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/05_50/b3963001.html; and http://www.clickz.com/showPage.html?page=3625544

² Washington Post, "Winds Cancel Flights, Classes" by Nick Miroff and Philip Rucker Tuesday, April 17, 2007; Page B01; http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/04/16/AR2007041600351.html