Richmond election: When spiders unite, they can tie down a lion

by Richmond City Councilwoman Jovanka Beckles

An African proverb says: “When spiders unite, they can tie down a lion.” In this very critical election year, we must unify to defeat the forces that conspire against us. It is for that reason that I invite you to join me this November in healing Richmond by supporting Melvin Willis and Ben Choi for the Richmond City Council.

The 2016 election is right around the corner. Some may say there’s not much that they can do to create the change we need locally, let alone nationally.

I beg to differ. I know that change starts with one person at a time making a difference. The participation of each and every one of us counts in our movement for justice and equity.

In fact, when we come together in unity, we can tie down that lion that is injustice and inequity. Together we can create a Richmond for all of us. A Richmond that takes care of its people. A Richmond with a hospital. A Richmond with good schools. A Richmond that we can afford to live in. A Richmond where our voices are heard.

I strongly encourage you to join me in supporting Melvin and Ben because, like me, they take no corporate money in order to remain loyal to the people who elect them.

This election will determine the direction in which Richmond will go.

Everyone is deserving of housing, education, health care and a livable wage. Help us attain what we deserve.

Will we have the votes to dedicate resources to our children and families? Will we have the votes for more transparency from your city? We will with a Team Richmond victory.

Join me in supporting Melvin and Ben because, like me, they take no corporate money in order to remain loyal to the people who elect them.

Meet Melvin Willis at http://www.melvinwillisforrichmondcitycouncil.com and Ben Choi at http://www.benchoi4richmond.com.

If you like what you see via their respective websites, please support these two social justice warriors to sit on the Richmond City Council dais with me.

Your people power is needed. Both of these candidates are endorsed by the Our Revolution organization that was launched by Bernie Sanders. Both have taken the pledge to take no corporate money for their campaigns, so they will be working for you and not corporations, developers or the realtors’ association.

Melvin and Ben both support Measure L: rent control and just cause for eviction for a fair and affordable Richmond!

Other candidates that I support who also support renters are School Board candidates Mister Phillips, Carlos Taboada and Antonio Medrano.

Yes on L. Remember, L YES! for Rent Control and Just Cause for Eviction.

I also want to share my endorsement of Lateefah Simon for BART Board. Lateefah is a working mother and BART rider. She is committed to working for all of us in the Bay Area, including Richmond, which is often overlooked. She also does not take corporate contributions.

Yes on L. Remember, L YES! for Rent Control and Just Cause for Eviction.

Together, united, we can and will have more equity and justice for all!

Richmond City Council member Jovanka Beckles works as a mental health specialist for Contra Costa County and serves on the Richmond Progressive Alliance steering committee. She was born in Panama City, where she grew up in a bilingual, multicultural household. Her family moved to the United States in1972, and she has lived in Richmond for nearly two decades. She can be reached at [email protected].