Perriello says his campaign aims to ‘break down the barriers’

By Sarah Arkin
Danville Register & Bee
Published: May 20, 2008

Practicing what he preaches, Tom Perriello’s campaign spent some time volunteering Monday morning at Bibleway Worldwide Church on Grant Street.

As part of the congressional candidate’s campaign promise, volunteers are tithing 10 percent of their volunteer hours to community service projects around the 5th District.

“We’re trying to revive a culture of service and civic duty,” Perriello said, before helping hand out food to families in need from Bibleway’s food pantry.

The tithing concept is in line with Perriello’s mantra and history of incorporating faith into social action and politics.

“We want to be that change in our own campaign; to break down the barriers between public life, corporate entities and charities,” Perriello told a group of about 50 in the basement of the church.

“A strong faith is a lived faith,” he said. “We started the tithe campaign because charities and social service organizations are doing so much of the strong work (for the campaign).”

Volunteers in Charlottesville did some heavy lifting with a Habitat for Humanity house, and helped with the “Stamp Out Hunger” drive in Collinsville last weekend.

“It’s one of the greatest parts of this campaign,” said Rob Lalka, a Perriello volunteer from Roanoke who recently earned a master’s degree in public policy from Duke University.  Having worked on other campaigns, Lalka said the tithing initiative is definitely unique and positive.

“If you’re not in touch with the community,” he said, “you’re not in touch with what you need to be talking about in Washington.”

Perriello, who recently picked up the Democratic nomination for the 5th District race, picked up at least one more volunteer at the rally after sitting down and discussing the recently passed GI Bill with Danville veteran Harry Brim.

“Tom really wants to help the veterans,” Brim said, “Virgil Goode doesn’t.”

Congressman Goode, the district’s Republican incumbent, voted against U.S. Sen. Jim Webb’s version of the bill after co-sponsoring it.

Brim was eager to start volunteering and pleased with the tithing component of the campaign as well.

Perriello’s morning stop at Bibleway also included an impromptu speech, as well as a question and answer session for those who came to learn a little more about the candidate.

Newly elected City Councilman Larry Campbell, an assistant pastor at Bibleway Worldwide Church, said he feels it’s important for residents to engage in politics. He encouraged everyone present at Monday’s event to engage in civic duty; to learn all they could about the candidates; and to vote.

Campbell said Goode has said he also will come to the food bank at Bibleway and meet with residents.

Perriello spoke briefly, but quickly opened the floor to questions. And Danville residents had plenty.

“A lot of politicians lie,” Danville resident and Army veteran Roger Nelson said, “why should I trust you?”

Nelson went on to say that politicians often get “big heads” when they get to Washington, and wondered how Perriello would be held accountable.

“For me, this isn’t a job, it’s a mission,” Perriello replied. “We will be known by our fruits. I know I have to answer to my voters, but I know there’s a bigger power I’ll have to answer to later on.”

Many people talked about problems with Social Security payments, educational opportunities and health care.

Perriello pledged to work a double shift every day if elected.

He said a large part of his campaign is “for everyone to get involved in politics and have their voices heard.”

Contact Sarah Arkin at or (434) 791-7983.