I was asked for a “candidate statement,” why I wanted to be a democratic delegate for the 47th District. Here were the thirty or so immediate words that I thought summed it up the best:
"As a delegate, I want to fight for you on returning our troops, establishing alternative energy projects, full funding of public education, and more. Progressives need to make more progress!"
I always have been a democrat, but I didn’t really classify myself as a “progressive” until recently. It wasn’t that I had different values or beliefs than progressives, it’s just that for most of my life, I already had embraced most of what would be considered a progressive agenda because to me, it was simply common sense. How could anyone not to want our kids to have affordable education? How could we not always be moving away from fossil fuels and towards supplying more efficient sources of energy? Who wouldn’t want better recycling practices, breathable air, and clean water? How could we ignore global warming when virtually every scientist on the planet that matters has warned of the dire consequences of ignoring it?
Speaking of immediate concerns, I always have felt strongly that Iraq was the wrong war, and we needed a solid plan or timetable for their return. To this point, I know that most of us looked on in horror as week after week, the current administration played fast and loose with the facts as more and more of our kids were killed and so many more injured. So I could contribute in some way, I used my own resources to create a somewhat graphic video that appeared on the Huffington Post and other outlets, enlisting recording artist Dobie Gray to sing on the track.
Recently, as I monitored two polling stations as a volunteer for Barack Obama’s presidential campaign, I saw and heard the joy of empowerment in almost every voter’s face and voice as they patiently and cheerfully waited to vote. We all knew there was so much to do, much of which might get done through that simple vote. We knew this moment in time was precious. These were people whose lives I was a part of and had the honor and opportunity to help in small ways that day. Now, I would love to do the same for the whole 47th District, and that is why I’m running to be your delegate. I need your vote, and I need to represent you!
