To the editor: 
    
I was happy to have the opportunity to attend a forum billed as having both Virginia 39th District Senate candidates last Thursday, sponsored by the Holmes Run Civic Association, at the Beatley Library I had hoped to hear where both candidates stood on the issues important to Alexandrias West End citizens.

It was very disappointing when Republican candidate Miller Baker did not attend, despite having agreed earlier and confirmed recently that he would do so.

It was even more disturbing to learn later that Mr. Baker had instead sent someone from his campaign to film the proceedings without acknowledging that he was from the Baker campaign while he, the candidate, attended a fundraiser in Fairfax County with polarizing figures Attorney General Ken Cucinelli and former Attorney General John Ashcroft.

I believe that Alexandria would do well to elect a dedicated, accomplished, experienced public servant like George Barker, who at last Thursday’s forum proved that he has a wide breadth of experience, and will “show up” to work across the aisle to get things done for the city’s citizens.