In attending the "Working Families Party [WFP] Kingston Candidate Forum" [as a guest; non-member; non-voter (WFP Vote); Kingston Citizen, taxpayer, registered Democrat, voter and blogger] - I was very impressed (in every sense of the word) by the WFP Forum, the questions asked, the materials handed out, and the candidates that showed up to present thier position and answer questions.
As a citizen supporter of Mayoral Candidate Shayne Gallo [Democrat] - I present the following:
I stated in a previous post, where photos of all the candidates at the WFP Forum were presented, that my next post would be more biased; and it is, in the sense that I am unabashedly expressing my support for Shayne Gallo - whom I have come to like and respect as a person and a politician. I find Shayne Gallo to be (a big deal for me) approachable, inclusive, respectful and concerned about many of the same issues (in a "go straight to the heart of the matter" manner) that I am..
Does Shayne Gallo support "collective bargaining" rights? "Yes."
"Wallmart" (without some policy changes to protect thier workers) - which I believe has to be looked at separately (Could Wallmart workers be unionized?) from the issue of support of "small businesses" (These need, in my opinion, all the support we can give them!)
[As in, do you support "Wallmart & Small Business"? (Is this not an oxymoron?)]?
Smart growth values long-range, regional considerations of sustainability over a short-term focus. Its goals are to achieve a unique sense of community and place; expand the range of transportation, employment, and housing choices; equitably distribute the costs and benefits of development; preserve and enhance natural and cultural resources; and promote public health" [Copied and Pasted (direct links removed) from "Wikipedea"; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_Growth]
"Living Wage is a term used to describe the minimum hourly wage necessary for an individual to meet basic needs, including shelter (housing) and other incidentals such as clothing and nutrition, for an extended period of time or a lifetime. In developed countries such as the United Kingdom or Switzerland, this standard generally means that a person working forty hours a week, with no additional income, should be able to afford a specified quality or quantity of housing, food, utilities, transport, health care, and recreation.
This concept differs from the minimum wage in that the latter is set by law and may fail to meet the requirements of a living wage. It differs somewhat from basic needs in that the basic needs model usually measures a minimum level of consumption, without regard for the source of the income. A related concept is that of a family wage – one sufficient to not only live on oneself, but also to raise a family, though these notions may be conflated" [Copied and Pasted (direct links removed) from "Wikipedia"; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_wage]
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In closing, I would like to state that being able to attend this type of meeting as an "outsider" (so to speak) - with no entry fee required (a big deal for some of us!) - was very much appreciated. I would hope that the WFP would continue to host such forums and put an invite out to the entire City of Kingston Community [same conditions] with the Democratic Party and Republican Party [at minimum (what I meant by this, is any active political parties in town, but especially the more prominent ones...] following suit.
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YouTube - "Working Families Party Candidate Forum 6-7": http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=z74LnErUJ70
"Debate begins in Kingston's race for mayor" - DailyFreeman.com: http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/05/23/news/doc4ddb0a30c6b90300218468.txt
"Working Families Party Kingston Candidates Formum" Leaflet; Monday, 5/23/2011; City Hall, Kingston]
Working Families: http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/
Working Families » "Issues": http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/issues/
Working Families » "Endorsements" [2010]: http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/elections/endorsements/
Working Families » "Hudson Valley Endorsements" [2010]: http://www.workingfamiliesparty.org/elections/endorsements/mid-hudson-endorsements/
Please note that I am not speaking on behalf of the Working Families Party, the Democratic Party, the City of Kingston or any other person or entity. This reflects my research and opinions only; and if any errors have been made, I would appreciate feedback. Prompt corrections (where called for) will be made.
Thank you,
NS
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