The March 14, 2017 special election to fill Daniel Benjamin's seat on the Salem City Council is really important for everyone in our town, not just people who live in Ward 6 -- the McKay High School area shown in brown below.
Currently there are four progressive councilors on the nine-member City Council: Tom Andersen, Cara Kaser, Sally Cook, and Matt Ausec. The Ward 6 election is an opportunity for progressives to be a majority, ending quite a few years of conservative domination in our liberal city.
There are four people running for the Ward 6 seat. Only two lean progressive, Chris Hoy and Jonathan Crow.
I've talked with Crow and like him a lot. But after hearing Hoy speak recently, I'm convinced that he is the guy who should be elected to the City Council. Check out his campaign's Facebook page.
The front page of Hoy's handout lists some of the key issues he vows to tackle after he's elected. In addition, I heard Hoy talk candidly and forcefully about other issues that are central to Salem.
For example, regarding tax breaks for developers, Hoy said: "I think helping people is great. But helping millionaires is ridiculous. Why should we subsidize rich people?"
Speaking about homelessness, Hoy said: "We need to do more. Smart people can solve this problem if it's a priority. We need both low-income and affordable housing."
When asked about improving mass transit, Hoy said, "People in my ward need buses at night and on weekends. This is at the top of my priority list."
After someone asked a question about Salem becoming a sanctuary city, Hoy said: "Well, the whole state already is. But I'm in favor of reiterating this here in Salem. It is important to make this statement out loud."
Hoy told us some details about his life story, which is both impressive and moving. He's dealt with hardships (as have we all) in a courageous fashion. As you can see from the back of his campaign handout, Hoy is very well qualified to be a great Ward 6 city councilor.
Plus, he's a dog lover!
I've donated to Hoy's campaign because I strongly believe that Salem will be a better town with him on the City Council. Consider doing the same.
Comments