Erik Curren for Delegate

Background:

Erik Curren is a Democrat running for Virginia's House of Delegates 20th District Seat. His district includes the City of Staunton along with parts of Augusta and Rockingham counties and all of Highland County. He is running on a platform of Good Jobs, Clean Energy, Strong Schools, Smart Growth.

Erik serves as the marketing director for the American Shakespeare Center, in Staunton, Virginia, where he also volunteers on several local and statewide boards related to economic development, urban planning, tourism, and the arts.

A co-founder of Staunton Green 2020 — a citizens’ coalition dedicated to helping the city generate 20% of its energy from clean local sources, and cut its global warming pollution, both by the year 2020 — Erik has long sought to promote clean energy and efficiency to create good jobs for all.

A graduate of Washington and Lee University, he has lived in the Shenandoah Valley for the last seven years and he currently lives in historic downtown Staunton.

Previously, Erik served as a communications consultant to state government, environmental and labor rights groups, and startup software companies.

A PhD graduate of the University of California, Irvine, Erik also taught English in the U.S. and abroad.

Erik is engaged to Lindsay Howerton, who also lives in Staunton with her two daughters, Anwyn, age 14, and Chloe, age 12.

Goals:

Erik wants to offer responsive representation to his district, and to get past the ideological conservatism which has halted progress for the district and has hamstrung votes at the state level. He wants to help Democrats achieve a majority in the House which will help solve statewide transportation and clean energy issues. He also wants to target legislation to help bring opportunity and prosperity to Staunton and the Shenandoah Valley.

Issues:

Clean Energy/Green Jobs
Strong Public Schools and Colleges
Smart Growth in Agriculture & Transportation

Grassroots Support:

the Young Democrats for practical support and has reached out using the tools of our DFA training to build relationships with those who have not yet become engaged in local politics. We're building this baby from the ground up in a district that has left Democrats in the closet. We intend to draw them out by waging an all out on the ground campaign, using house party strategies and staying active and responsive in our community through listening tours and many Town Halls.

DFA Values:

Erik backs social entrepreneurship, green jobs for all, social and environmental justice, relocalization, equality and personal choice. He believes in responsive but efficient government.