I am very proud of the positive campaign I have been running here in the second ward. We are focusing on solutions, on the future. This is also a very busy time, but I think some personal words from me are called for. I apologize in advance for the length. First, it seems odd that presidential politics are being brought into this local race. I think every citizen has a responsibility to vote their heart and conscience. It is each of our responsibility to vote for the person we think best represents our values and will work for what we think is best for society and the world. That is certainly what I did last year and that is what I trust the citizens of ward 2 will do this year. Fortunately, the City Council primary election is a run off so people can rest assured that they do not have to vote for the lesser of two evils. If their first choice does not make it past the primary they can vote for a new choice in November. Also, fortunately, the people in Ward 2 know that our City Council race is not about what went wrong with the presidential election in Florida last year. This may be the most exciting City Council primary election we have ever had in the second ward. We could be making history here. Certainly I can respect Paul�s effort to bring about change within the his political party. I hope that we all will continue to work in all our parties to make them better, and I look forawrd to working with people from all political parties as we find areas of common ground in order to make this a better city for everyone. I have chosen to do my work for positive change from within a newer, alternative party. Part of this comes from my conviction that multi-party democracy is the most healthy form of democracy. I believe that it is time for a viable new second party in Minneapolis and I think that the citizens of Minneapolis and particularly certain areas,like the second ward, are ready, anxious and eager for a new alternative that more accurately reflects their interest. People want a party that puts Social Justice, Nonviolence, grassroots Democracy, Ecological Wisdom, Repect for Diversity, Community-based Economics and Sustainability at its core. People need a party that offers a more humane approach to government and politics. Everyday I see how welcoming and hopeful and encouraged people are by the work we are doing to build that kind of politics here, right now in Ward 2. I am proud to have received the endorsements of the two leading alternative progressive parties in Minneapolis. I am proud of my labor endorsement. These things, among others, demonstrate that I can bring people together to support me and join our effort. I have been active in this community for years and I have talked to thousands of people throughout this campaign and I am convinced now more than ever that I am the best candidate because I possess the skills and share the values needed to provide to kind of positive, active, honest and responsive representation the people deserve here. I am proud of my record of bringing people together to find and work for common goals. I am proud of my ability and history of crossing party and political lines to work for issues I care about. ... issues like affordable housing, civil rights, campaign finance reform, economic development, hazardous waste clean up, police brutality, better schools, affordable quality child care and better elections, among others things. I have demonstrated my communication, facilitation and consensus building skills both professionally and through my community activism as co-chair of the highly successful Seward Neighborhood Group, chair of its well regarded Neighborhood Revitalization Committee, and as leader and founding chair of the Minneapolis Green Party. I have shown my ability to lead and work with others effectively both professionally --- as teacher, as administrator, small business owner, as president of a state wide teachers' alliance, and as a political and community activist over and over again. More than anyone in this race, I have the energy, the conviction, the integrity and the principles needed to represent this ward and help solve the problems that will face our city in the future. >From all my experience I have learned a great deal about this community. I know that people want decent, affordable housing, living wage jobs and quality schools and child care. I know that people want a pedestrian friendly city with good transit options. People want cleaner air, safer water and soil free from lead and other toxins. People want great parks and abundant green space. We want community centered policing, economically and culturally vital neighborhoods and a healthy downtown that serves all the people of Minneapolis. People are looking for a government that responds to our needs and expectations, and not just those of the wealthiest corporations or most favored developers. We want communities where residents, workers, students, businesses, neighborhood associations, government officials and institutions plan together to provide basic services, meaningful citizen involvement, and safe, just communities for everyone. We want a city we can be proud of, officials we can trust and healthy, safe and supportive communities to raise our families in. People are eager 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. We are building that kind of politics. All over the ward people are joining us with renewed hope. Everyday more people step forward with a new faith that caring people working together can make a difference. I am sure I could write more, but this is plenty long and I suspect that there are still a few voters I need to reach and only a few hours left ;-) . .. For now I only want to wish all the candidates and all our hard working volunteers the best for this Tuesday. It is the hard working thoughtful people willing to get involved and try to make a difference that offers the greatest hope for our city and for our world. I thank you all. In peace and cooperation, Cam Gordon for Ward 2 914 Franklin Terrace Seward, Mpls. MN 55406-1101 (612) 332-6210 http://www.camgordon.org Green Party Endorsed Progressive Minnesota Endorsed Labor (UE 1139) Endorsed Growing democracy from the ground up _______________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest option, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
