Jeff Helgeson made the formal declaration Tuesday that he will be a candidate in the June 9 Republican primary election for House of Delegates in Lynchburg.
Helgeson, a member of City Council, sketched out a platform before about 30 supporters at the Wingate hotel, saying he would “carry our conservative values to Richmond.”
Helgeson said he obtained more than 1,600 signatures on petitions for his candidacy, well above the minimum necessary.
He and Scott Garrett, another member of City Council, will square off in the Republican primary. Both Helgeson and Garrett announced their candidacies on Feb. 22.
Del. Shannon Valentine, D-Lynchburg, is running unopposed for the Democratic nomination on the same date.
Valentine and the Republican winner will be on the ballot for November’s General Election. She has held the 23rd District seat, which includes most of Madison Heights, since 2006.
Helgeson listed his experience as a financial adviser and as a city councilman as his main qualifications.
“I have fought against wasteful spending every time I had an opportunity” on City Council, Helgeson said, mentioning a real-estate tax cut that was approved last year.
“Many times, I stood all alone. I was the only member of City Council who attempted to put the brakes on the Fifth Street traffic circle,” a project now under construction, he said.
“I will look for ways to reduce spending and taxes in Richmond,” Helgeson said.
“I will fight to improve education and promote school choice.
“I will support public safety and punish criminals.
“I will support the rights of law-abiding gun owners to protect themselves in their homes and in public.
“I will contend for the right to life from conception all the way to natural death.
“I will support measures that promote traditional values like one man and one woman in a marriage.
“I will keep my promises,” Helgeson said several times.
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