Published on Wednesday, October 4 - 10, 2006

RICHMOND GLOBE
By Clifford L. Williams,
Globe Political Analyst

Councilwoman Gayle McLaughlin Runs for Mayor

“I’m running for a better Richmond … run with me,” said Richmond Councilwoman Gayle McLaughlin, who is looking to unseat incumbent Mayor Irma Anderson for the city’s top job. “A better Richmond is possible and in the making.”

McLaughlin was elected to the City Council in 2004. After a successful two-year stint, during which she said she gained firsthand knowledge about Richmond’s primary issues, she decided to launch her grassroots campaign for mayor.

Currently, “one of the biggest crises we face in Richmond is a lack of leadership,” she said. “It is because of this crisis that we see violence uncurbed, streets unpaved, economic opportunities untapped and our natural resources unprotected. What is needed in Richmond is new vision, new leadership and new direction.”

Following Green Party principles, McLaughlin has not accepted any corporate money during either of her campaigns. Because of this, McLaughlin said that she remains independent and will “work only for you, accept no corporate campaign money and [be] beholden to no one.”

During her tenure as a council member, McLaughlin noted that she has:
• Brought the entire council together to require the proper environmental oversight for the toxic Zeneca and UC Field Station sites;
• Championed the East Bay Regional Park District’s purchase of Breuner Marsh to build a park for Richmond residents;
• Co-sponsored an initiative that repealed the 12-year practice of allowing Chevron to self-permit, self-inspect and self-certify its own projects;
• Acted as a key opponent of the crematorium that was being proposed for North Richmond; and
• Co-founded Solar Richmond, an organization promoting solar energy and solar jobs in the city.

She listed her priorities for 2006 as promoting and supporting concrete short- and longterm solutions to Richmond’s endemic violence; invigorating the city’s general fund by ending tax loopholes, perks and favoritism to big industry; promoting solar energy utilization by the city, local businesses and residents; and promoting justice and fairness for tenants and landlords.

If elected mayor, McLaughlin said she will address violence at its roots by creating a Richmond Youth Corps that will provide part-time, year-round jobs with educational components for youth from areas of the city hardest hit by violence.
She also proposes working with local businesses to promote a revitalization of the Richmond economy and to create a sustainable city with clean industries and expanded housing stock and home ownership. She said she promises to fight pollution and to restore, maintain and expand the city’s libraries, parks and senior services to full operational capacity.

As a staunch environmentalist, McLaughlin said that she will defend Richmond’s public assets. “I want to ensure that we preserve Richmond’s open space shorelines. I will work to keep our shorelines clean and accessible to the public by monitoring the forces who put profits before people and are rushing to rezone Richmond’s shoreline areas. When you invade the environment, you degrade the economy,” she said.

McLaughlin has also vowed to continue to learn more about and from Richmond communities through neighborhood councils, grassroots organizations and individuals who are willing to share their experience and knowledge.

“The concerns as well as ideas of all Richmond residents are important to me,” she said. “I was elected by the voters of Richmond to represent and serve them. I trust the people of Richmond to recognize the elected officials who truly serve them and democracy well.”

McLaughlin has a background as an educator and professional experience in nonprofit leadership promoting literacy, social justice and environmental health. She has also been involved in nonprofit research and data-driven projects addressing the needs of disadvantaged youth. She has a B.S. in psychology and completed graduate studies in psychology and education. She has been an elected member of the Richmond Greens and has served on the council of the Green Party of Contra Costa.

McLaughlin is endorsed by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) 790, SEIU 535 and SEIU Health Care Workers West; the Contra Costa Central Labor Council; the Contra Costa Building Trades Council; the Sierra Club; the League of Conservation Voters; the West Contra Costa Gray Panthers; the Mexican American Political Association (MAPA) – Richmond Chapter; American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) – Council 57 and Local 444; Richmond Residents for a Responsible General Plan; the Richmond Progressive Alliance; and the Richmond Greens.

McLaughlin can be reached at (510) 620-6503. Visit her website at www.GayleMcLaughlin.net.