All Virginia Interview with Ram Venkatachalam

The following interview with Ram Venkatachalam, candidate in the upcoming January 7^th Special Election for Virginia House of Delegates District 26, was originally posted in All Virginia News.

1. What is your bio/background/family immigrant story?
   
   My heritage is from the southern part of India, where I was born and raised. I pursued my American dream and studied college in Atlanta, GA.

• What is your education and current/past profession?
  
  I have an Engineering Degree and Masters in Computer Sciences. I am a business consultant specializing in the Business/Tech/Management areas in the private sector and some agencies.

• What other political seats have you run for or served in prior to
  this?
  
  I recently ran for the County Board of Supervisors last year (2023),
  Little River District, and for the County School Board in 2019, Blue Ridge District.

• Why do you want to now serve in the House of Delegates?
  
  Our county has faced significant challenges, particularly in eastern Loudoun. These difficult times demand strong, steady, and focused leadership. In our schools, we see the erosion of meritocracy in favor of quotas, undermining fairness and excellence in education. Student safety is another critical concern, with the need for clear policies requiring parents to be notified within 24 hours of any overdose incident, such as those involving fentanyl. Additionally, the strain on our quality of life due to burdensome car taxes and inadequate infrastructure cannot be ignored. These challenges are exacerbated by politicians abandoning their commitments to pursue higher office. I am committed to being the steadfast leader our community needs, addressing these issues directly and fulfilling the full term of service entrusted to me by the voters.

• What do you see as the most critical needs/actions that need to be
  improved in your district and on the state level?
  
  The most critical priorities in our district and at the state level include raising education standards, ensuring the safety of our children in schools, and addressing the public unrest caused by illegal alien criminals. At the district level, implementing a fair and overdue distance-based tolling system is essential to both improve our infrastructure and address long-standing inefficiencies. These challenges demand thoughtful, decisive action to create a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future for our community.

• In terms of constituent service, I have often experienced and have
  heard others say once a politician is elected, you never hear from them again and phone calls and emails go unanswered. How will you assure that your constituents are responded to?
  
  I understand how frustrating it can be to feel unheard by your representatives, and I am committed to changing that. As your elected official, I will be an engaged and accessible leader for eastern Loudoun—a presence our community has been missing for far too long. I’ll ensure that my constituents can reach me directly, whether through my personal email or phone, because open communication is key to effective representation. Your concerns won’t go unanswered, and I will work tirelessly to make sure every voice in our community is heard and respected.

• You are welcome to provide any other information you think the public needs to know.
  
  I humbly ask for your trust, your support, and your vote. If elected, I give you my word that I will fully dedicate myself to serving this community and completing my term with a steadfast commitment to addressing the issues that matter most to you. I bring a proven track record of service and leadership, demonstrated through my current role as a Board of Trustee for the Science Museum of Virginia, where I was honored to be appointed by Governor Youngkin, and my seven years as Chairman of the Loudoun County Transit Advisory Board. Additionally, as an elected HOA Vice President and Director for Brambleton, I have worked tirelessly to represent the voices of our community. In me, you will find a leader who listens, acts, and delivers. In RAM, you can trust to get the job done.