October 13 , 2010
Gayle McLaughlin Wants to Prepare Richmond
to Compete in 21st Century
By Tasion Kwamilele
Mayor Gayle McLaughlin believes that she has made a difference
in Richmond, serving the city’s residents in hard economic
times. Unlike many other cities, Richmond even was able to
balance its budget without cutting services or laying off workers.
The city is stabilizing economically, and the homicide rate
down by 60 percent.
“I am just happy about the positive steps
with Richmond. We are changing our city into what the residents
of Richmond deserve,” she said.
After much debate, Mayor McLaughlin
was able to make sure that Chevron settled the city’s demands,
paying $114 million in taxes over the next 15 years.
The interests
of Richmond residents are her first priority, she said, and
she wants to be sure that city and can compete in the 21st
century. She disagrees with opponents who say that she is a
mayor who only seeks green jobs and green development for the
city. She says that Richmond has to be the forefront of the
new economy that is emerging.
“We want all kinds of jobs in
Richmond, but we have to think about social justice, protecting
the environment, and give room for everyone to rise. We want
all jobs, but the clean-tech sector is one of the only growing
sectors in these hard economic times,” she said.
McLaughlin
points to Solar Richmond, a program she co-founded that provides
weatherization, hazardous material, and 100 percent green training
to residents. The program has been recognized by the FBI for
its crime prevention methods and by Senator Barbara Boxer.
President Obama’s former ‘Green House Czar’ Van Jones has commended
McLaughlin for her accomplishments.
McLaughlin hopes Richmond
residents will support her for another term so that the city
can continue on its progressive path. “I am honored to serve
as Richmond’s mayor, and I just ask that the Richmond community
continues its support so that we can continue to build Richmond
together,” she said. “We must, as Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘Be
the change you want to see.’’”
For more information about the
campaign visit www.mayorgayle.net. |
