Candidate for
Member, Democratic Party County Central Committee; County of Contra Costa; Supervisorial District 2

I believe our nation is at a crossroads. As a strong progressive, I want to make sure the Democratic Party takes the lead in addressing the problems facing our nation, our state, and Contra Costa County.

First off, the United States must get out of Iraq. Moderates in that country will never have a chance so long as we remain as an occupying power. That's why I organized student anti-war marches in Contra Costa before the war and when the fighting broke out. I can't stand to see any more young people I know, who joined the military to defend our country, killed or wounded as part of this occupation.

I am a Democrat because I support a new foreign policy that emphasizes international cooperation and engagement, prosperity and human rights for all nations. We must end this tragic and unjust war.

I am a Democrat because in America, more and more of our citizens go without health insurance or are considered lucky to be underinsured and pay sky-high premiums.

I am a Democrat because here in California, UC tuition has soared, and students in the CSU system have seen entire departments disbanded. More than 20,000 teachers will receive pink slips this year.

We're running unprecedented deficits, raising student fees and cutting MediCal reimbursement rates. All this in order to pay for tax cuts to yacht owners and the well-off.

And here in Contra Costa, local school districts and community colleges are facing tougher times than ever. Instead of mobilizing to demand change at the state level, they are sacking teachers with higher health care and retirement costs.

We must change how business is done here in our nation, our state and our county. I believe Democrats can lead the way, but we need your support to make it happen.