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To the Editor:

Recent redistricting has left many residents unsure of what district they are in or which candidates are running to represent them. This makes local debates particularly important this year. 

Unfortunately, Democrats in the new 84th House District (Suffolk, Isle of Wight, Franklin) have been denied that opportunity. Michele Joyce and Nadarius Clark agreed to participate in a

candidates’ forum, but Nadarius Clark backed out. I’ve been thinking about why a candidate would do this.

I see Mrs. Joyce and Mr. Clark both as good candidates. Both would fight Republican extremism and work hard to promote Democratic values. I suspect the difference, the reason for Mr. Clark’s withdrawal, is local.

I believe Mr. Clark was worried that he would not be as informed on local issues as Ms. Joyce. Serving in the General Assembly isn’t just about the party line. It’s also about local knowledge of broadband, agriculture, solar farming and flooding. Our region should be represented by someone who has been rooted in our community for decades, not by someone who recently moved here from Portsmouth to avoid an unwinnable primary. The people of the 84th deserve their voice in the House of Delegates.

Michele Joyce put two children through Isle of Wight Public Schools. She drives the JRB daily. She has been a community organizer and Obamacare navigator in this district for 15 years. She earned our support to be the delegate from the 84th District. I encourage Democrats to vote for

Michele Joyce by June 20.

Lisa Jackson

Suffolk