Dear friends, neighbors and other citizen's of Minneapolis, This month I have made what may be one of the most significant decisions of my life. I have decided to run for the Minneapolis City Council in Ward 2. I am committed to running the most thoughtful, responsive, open, honest, inclusive and credible campaign possible. I hope to use this campaign, in collaboration with others like it, as impetus to explore and articulate a new shared vision for Minneapolis. I intend to use it as a way to bring needed leadership to our city, real solutions to its problems, and active, responsive representation for all its citizens. We need a city government based on clear principles and I am convinced that the Green Party philosophy provides these. The Greens four core values of ecological wisdom, social and economic justice, nonviolence and grassroots democracy offer a clear compass with which to guide decisions. These together with the values of a future focus on sustainability, personal and global responsibility, respect for diversity, feminism, community-based economics and decentralization represent a solid foundation upon which to build a more just, humane and sustainable city. I believe that we must reconnect and redefine the relationship between citizens and government in Minneapolis. We need communities where residents, workers, businesses, government officials and institutions plan together to provide services, meaningful economic opportunities, quality affordable housing, real community involvement, rich diverse cultural experiences and safe communities for everyone. We must continue to work to open our economic, civic and political systems and institutions so that individuals and communities have more control over them and more opportunities in them. A focus on economic security, ecological integrity, quality of life, community empowerment and personal responsibility provides a framework for us live in greater harmony with our natural resources and support more fulfilling lives for all. I believe that the people of Minneapolis are ready for a new kind of politics that puts its residents first � a politics that knows that the strength and hope of the city rests with its people and its neighborhoods. I beleive that Minneapolis is eager for an alternative voice that will identify and strengthen what works in our city and offer creative solutions to address its challenges and shortcomings. It is in this context that I step forward and offer my energy, dedication, creativity and skills to work together with all like-minded individuals to bring our vision and our goals forward for Minneapolis. I invite you to join in this adventure. This is only the beginning. To help us launch our effort please join us for a campaign kick-off celebration on Sunday, December 17 from 4 - 6:00 pm at the 2nd Moon Coffee Cafe at 2225 East Franklin Avenue in the Seward neighborhood of Minneapolis. I hope to see you there. If you have any questions or comments do contact me. The health of our democracy, and our city, depends on the participation of informed citizens. Yours, in peace and cooperation, Cam Gordon Candidate for City Council, Ward 2 ==================================== Cam Gordon 914 Franklin Terrace Mpls. MN 55406-1101 612 296-0579, 332-6210, 339-2452 Seward Neighborhood, Ward 2
