Gayle McLaughlin and I were co-founders of the Richmond Progressive Alliance, 15 years ago. We have always believed that friends and neighbors organizing locally was the key to reach local and global transformation, and Gayle’s Lt. Governor campaign is part of the evolution of our corporate-free movement. This progressive vision also goes beyond our state – we believe in standing in solidarity with our sisters and brothers across the globe who are struggling against oppression and sometimes dealing with horrific natural disasters.  

For example, as Mayor of Richmond, Gayle introduced a resolution of solidarity and commitment to help facilitate contributions to the Haiti relief effort during the devastating earthquake in 2010. During her mayoral years, Gayle also publicly expressed support for the resistance of the Haitian people against oppressive coup regimes, wrote letters of support for the release of Haitian political prisoners, and honored the fight of the Haitian people for dignity and empowerment. Taking such stands helps bring communities closer together and builds bonds of support.

Today, we face the grim rule of Donald Trump and corporate control of our federal government. We see the face of hate as Trump attacks immigrants and their countries of origin with obscene language. The forces for greed and hate will do everything they can to divide us. Still, we have much hope. And I want to share a new statement of support for Gayle from Pierre Labossiere, co-founder of the Haiti Action Committee:

I support Gayle McLaughlin for Lieutenant Governor of California because as a two-term Mayor of Richmond, CA she has been a visionary and courageous leader. Her dedicated work and consensus-building skills around pragmatic policies and programs have improved the quality of life for the city’s residents.

Mayor McLaughlin’s exemplary tenure was guided by her vision and core values of a world of justice, peace, economic well-being and respect for all. As a Haitian immigrant, I also greatly value her consistent, unwavering support for the rights of immigrants and refugees. Under her leadership, the city of Richmond had become well-known for its solidarity with people struggling for the respect of human rights on the local, national and international level.

California needs Former Mayor Gayle McLaughlin for Lieutenant Governor.

We’re fighting many millions of dollars and nine competitors to elevate the people’s voice. And we are facing a deadline next month to pay $6,250 for a ballot statement of Gayle’s vision. If you are able, please sponsor a word ($25) or two today – click to give: https://bitly.com/words4gayle

Thank you,

Juan Reardon
Campaign Manager