The saying goes that politics is personal. For me, it’s all about family.
Why I am running
I am running for State Representative because we need leaders. At a time when our democracy is under attack we cannot afford to elect representatives who learn on the job or don’t share our values. We deserve a representative who is qualified, capable, and ready to do the job on day one.
My education in politics came at a young age when my father came out to me and my family. I remember how quickly it opened my eyes to the world, taught me hard lessons about life, and made me realize the importance of leadership.
Too many leaders practice politics driven by self-interest or division, too many leaders put their personal and political well-being ahead of the well-being of those they were elected to serve. There were so few willing to stand up for families like mine, I realized how important it was to have champions and fighters.
Who wins elections, who holds the reins of power, and what their values are matter, it determines who gets help and who gets left behind.
I’m reminded of an old quote, that I think rings true for Pennsylvania and the country as a whole.
“Some legislators only wish for vengeance against a particular enemy. Others only look out for themselves. They devote very little time to the consideration of any public issue. They think that no harm will come from their neglect. They act as if it is always the business of somebody else to look after this or that. When this selfish notion is entertained by all, the commonwealth slowly begins to decay.”
We can see that in our nation today, with a defeated ex-President thinking of only retribution. Special interest-backed politicians deny our people healthcare, childcare, and education because wealthy donors and powerful corporations demand it. Morally bankrupt elected officials must practice the politics of division to protect a system that’s rigged against everyday people. Republican leadership is eager to dismantle democracy and steal elections.
All the while everyday people are crushed by the weight of the affordability crisis. Seniors can’t afford to age in their homes, young people can’t afford to own one. Parents can’t afford to put their children in daycare or send their kids to college. School districts can’t afford to give our children the education they deserve. Pennsylvanians can’t afford healthcare or their prescription drugs. People can’t afford to live in the cities where they work because wages are too low, and rents are too high. Our planet can’t afford another decade of reckless climate policy.
That’s why I’m running for State Representative because the people of the 22nd district need a proven progressive champion that will fight to make the system work for working people and grow the middle class. Because the status quo is failing 99% of us.
We need to fully fund our public schools and take on the charter school industry that is depriving our public schools of millions. We need to create a society built on care and compassion through universal childcare and long-term care for our seniors. We need a massive generational investment in union-built and maintained social housing. We need to provide tuition-free for community colleges and four-year public universities. It’s time that we invest in our people and the future of our commonwealth.
Join me in my fight for all of us!