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2005 Seattle Elections Primary Elections Voters' Guide Linda Averill
Video Voters Guide Statement of Candidate Click Here to View the You will need Written Voters' Pamphlet Statement Submitted by Candidate As a Metro bus driver, I see how politicians cater to wealthy developers at the expense of working class residents. I'm running for City Council to challenge City Hall's corporate greed-lock and offer voters a pro-union, antiwar alternative. Redistribute the wealth. Forbes.com rated Seattle the most overpriced city in the country in June. And current studies show a minimum wage of $17/hour is needed to meet living expenses here. But the City Council continues to promote tax breaks for big industry and grand lifestyles for a few—while ignoring fixed income denizens or those struggling in low-paying jobs. I will fight for tax relief for the poor and for small businesses while taxing corporate profits and the rich to fund services, expanded public transit, schools and jobs. I will advocate a $17/hour minimum wage with help for small businesses and non-profits to meet the payroll. I will organize for the reinstatement of affirmative action, to equalize access to higher-paying employment, and for job programs for youth to counter the military's "poverty draft." Revived public housing and rent control are needed to guarantee shelter for all. Improve women's lives. To combat wage disparity, domestic violence and other ill-effects of institutionalized sexism, I will put forward legislation for an independent Office of Women's Rights with enforcement powers. Employer-funded childcare is also worth fighting for. Protect civil rights/liberties. Seattle needs an elected Civilian Review Board over police and vigorous defense of immigrant rights. Stop erosion of precious constitutional rights by mandating no city compliance with the Patriot Act. Respect gay civil rights. Public ownership of major industries. The destruction of pension funds and so-called "healthcare system" are examples of how the "free market" fails working people. I will work to end bailouts/subsidies to corporations and to nationalize key industries. Workers can easily run them for public benefit. As a 25-year feminist activist, and King County Labor Council delegate, I know collective action wins concrete improvements. As a Freedom Socialist Party candidate and Radical Women member, I'm part of organizations with a record of defending civil rights and organizing for a peaceful, humane world. With your vote, we can make Seattle better together. Endorsers (partial): Amalgamated Transit Union 587; Christina Lopez, Radical Women; Frederick Simmons, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists activist; Nina Harding; Washington Federation of State Employees 304; Bev Sims; Celso Tolman, Longshore Union leader; Matt Nagle, Seattle Gay News editor; Socialist Alternative. The above statement was written by the candidate, who is solely responsible for the contents therein. |
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5018 Rainier Ave. S
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