February–March, 2005 Issue:

Courtesy of the
Newspaper of the San Francisco Bay Chapter

Election Follow-up: the Greening of Richmond

On Nov. 2, I was elected with the support of both environmental and social-justice organizations to the Richmond City Council. My success as a Green candidate for the Richmond City Council represents the concerns and aspirations of thousands and thousands of Richmond residents who care about the air we breathe, the water we drink, the toxics to which we are exposed, and the health and balance in our lives.

Even in the midst of the current national regression to the right there are environmental gains that can take place if we work hard. California's commitment to deriving 20% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2010 may open opportunities for solar-energy development. Our shorelines and open spaces will need to be defended from unconcerned developers and other people with short-term interests.

We will need to remain vigilant with the local refining industry to make sure that our air quality does not continue to suffer, and that the industry pays its fair share of taxes. I'll continue to raise the need to end corporate loopholes and demand environmental-impact reviews when changes in the infrastructure take place.

I'll pay particular attention to the Simeon/Cherokee Astra/Zeneca development proposal: the developers must not be allowed to release long-buried toxic chemicals.

My electoral achievement is the result of persistent effort on the part of the local Greens and our many allies. My victory is the result of years of educational and organizational efforts in Richmond by organizations such as the Sierra Club, the West County Toxics Coalition, Communities for Better Environment, the North Richmond Shoreline Open Space Alliance, the Richmond Environmental Defense Fund, the Ma'at Youth Academy, the East Bay Bicycle Coalition, TRAC (Trails for Richmond Action Committee), Friends of Baxter Creek, the Urban Creeks Council, Canyon Park Friends of Open Space, Save San Francisco Bay, and so many other groups and individuals who stand for the defense of the environment and for a healthy city. This is our collective success.

My election was not the result just of the environmental movement. I am as committed to social and economic justice, fairness, diversity, organized labor, and global responsibility as to the environment. It was a coalition of progressive Richmond residents, the Richmond Progressive Alliance (RPA), http://www.richmondprogressivealliance.net/, which made this electoral victory possible and during the whole year 2004 shook up the Richmond political establishment, challenging the corrupt way politics has traditionally taken place here.

The RPA not only defined a platform, but only endorsed candidates to the Richmond City Council who would not accept money from corporate donors. I, for instance, rejected a $500 contribution from a local fiber-optics cable company. My fellow candidate Andres Soto, a Sierra Club endorsee and a progressive Democrat, did likewise. The RPA candidates accepted campaign funds only from individuals, organized labor (which we consider one of our essential constituencies), and small business.

Andres became the target of the most vicious, racist, and dirty hit pieces Richmond voters have ever received. In spite of the massive attack, he came in sixth, just one place short of being one of the five candidates elected. I know Andres' stamina, honorability, and back-bone. He's already back doing battle for the people of Richmond, and we'll continue our mutual support as during the campaign.

On the Council I will try to provide a voice, where there have been none or few before, to resist the powers of the oil companies, developers, and gambling interests. I will speak the aspirations and the common sense of a person focused on our future and sustainability. I'll definitely work with Tom Butt, who was just re-elected to the Council with the Sierra Club's endorsement, and with any other willing councilmembers, to protect the environment in Richmond and make us a healthier city.

I ask for your support and involvement in Richmond, and for each of you to build the progressive movement in the city where you live. The stronger you get, the stronger we get.

Another Richmond is possible! Another world is possible!

By Gayle McLaughlin, newly elected Richmond city-councilmember