Dear Friends,

Please take a few minutes to read the guest commentary, which I co-authored with Councilmember Tom Butt, that was published last Saturday in the Contra Costa Times. It expresses our dissenting view on the recent Richmond City Council majority vote in support of the Chevron project. You can access this article here: http://gaylemclaughlin.net/press-CCT_07-25-08.htm

Don't be discouraged with the current state of affairs, however. I will be sending another newsletter in a few days that illuminates a positive message going forward: I will be sharing with you the good news about how the voters of Richmond can alter the course of Richmond's history at the ballot box in November! Many thank to all for your ongoing support for our better Richmond!

Sincerely,

Gayle McLaughlin Mayor, City of Richmond

Democracy is the only system that persists in asking the powers that be whether they are the powers that ought to be. ~Sydney J. Harris

August 5, 2008

Dear Friends,

We have an opportunity this November to turn the tide in Richmond politics.

The Richmond City Council will shrink from a 9-member body to a 7-member body. 3 seats are open.

Below are the 3 candidates that I am endorsing and recommending for your support:

Tom Butt (the only incumbent that I am endorsing) www.tombutt.com

Jovanka Beckles www.jovankabeckles.org

Jeff Ritterman www.jeffritterman.com

All three of these individuals were strong voices of opposition to the Chevron expansion project that was recently approved by the current Council majority and has caused so much outrage in our community. All three of these individuals know it is essential that we reverse the decades of Richmond’s subservience to big oil!

I am not up for reelection this year. The people of Richmond can continue to count on me, as mayor, to serve as a progressive member of the City Council. Filling the 3 open seats by reelecting Tom Butt and electing Jovanka Beckles and Jeff Ritterman will assure that Richmond truly has a City Council that represents the people’s interests!

Let me also add that Tom, Jovanka and Jeff join me in endorsing the Citizen’s Ballot Initiative, "A Fair Share for Richmond," that will be on the November ballot. If passed, this initiative will bring 16-20 million dollars annually into our City’s coffers from Chevron. Read about this initiative here: www.richmondprogressivealliance.net

This is an exciting period in Richmond politics! I will continue to keep you updated.

Sincerely,

Gayle McLaughlin Mayor, City of Richmond