Most times, what you get, is a set of well rehearsed talking points and focus-group-honed policies as determined by a party's central office. Ask a candidate what they believe, and chances are you'll get a blank stare.
So I will put this out there so that you all know the things I believe on the issues that I believe matter the most.
I believe;
- That we are all in this together: none of us are an island, what affects one, may affect many. The welfare among the least of us matters as much as the greatest of us.
- That the best ideas don't necessarily come from politicians: the quietest voice in the room might have the answers; the most unlikely of us may rise to the occasion and lead; and leaders must be ready to follow sometimes.
- That I can be wrong sometimes: for whatever I have learned along the way within our union, about the contract, constitution, bylaws, I can always improve my knowledge base; I get it wrong sometimes and I am not to stubborn to be corrected either.
- All of us, not just some of us: for the coming challenges, whether in contract talks, grievance proceedings and general union/management affairs, or inter-union matters, I believe that our philosophy should be anchored around "all of us"; all of us gain or none of us gain. All are protected or none are protected. All of us progress, or none of us do.
I'm not running for President of Local 2 because I think y'all need to be lead. I'm running because I believe that y'all should be heard.
