As a supporter of the Apollo Energy Project, I will work with others to provide corporate tax incentives for defense contractors anchored in Torrance and El Segundo to re-allocate some of their financial and scientific resources into alternative energy development. I want to make the 36th Congressional District the alternative energy capital of California, if not the United States. Dollar for dollar, we'll create more jobs investing in peace than we will when investing in war.
In the interest of safeguarding our ports" to improve working conditions and protect the air in the surrounding communities of San Pedro and Wilmington, I'll work with members of congress in other port communities to establish federal standards for container inspection, workers' rights, and dockside refueling and alternative energy development. Together, with lawmakers from other port districts, I hope to author legislation requiring Wal Mart and other large corporations who profit off the ports, to pay their fair share for inspections and environmental mitigation.
A week ago, when I was leafleting outside an ILWU hiring hall in Wilmington, a worker turned to me and in the most heartfelt tone said, "I have worked at this port for years and seen millions of dollars come in and out. Why is it we have nothing to show for it in Wilmington, nothing to do, no entertainment, only dirty air to breathe?" This man's yearning should be heard in Washington, so that one day the large corporations who profit off our ports can be expected to support the arts in the surrounding port communities.
LM: How will you use your legislative skills to benefit your constituents?
MW: To be an effective legislator, you have to be a good listener and, ideally, a people person" someone who cares about the community and takes the time to listen. Unfortunately, we see a disconnect between leaders in Washington and the people they represent. Too many of our lawmakers have isolated themselves inside the Beltway and are, therefore, not in touch with the pulse of their community.
I consider myself part of the grassroots -- of and for the people. I'll keep my ear to the ground and go with my gut -- with my core beliefs in peace and justice. In addition, I'll use my communication and organizational skills to help me navigate the halls of Congress and seek out those with common interests on both sides of the aisle.
In my District, I'll organize a regional bi-annual Community Congress to engage the grassroots in setting legislative objectives and addressing challenges.
We'll focus on:
· funding and supporting community-based social service programs
· protecting the environment at our beaches, marina, and port
· minimizing air and noise pollution at our local airports
· promoting mass transit and regionalizing our airports to reduce traffic and toxic emissions
· supporting the Farmers' Markets and other efforts to promote organic farms and produce
· protecting our constitutional freedoms now under assault
· promoting quality education and non-violent conflict resolution programs
Provided we have the funds, I would like to open three field offices: one in the Venice/Marina area, one in the South Bay, and one in San Pedro/Wilmington. Each office will have Field Representatives responsible for meeting constituents' needs and engaging with leaders and rank-and-file members of organizations.
I want my career in Congress to consist of working with people to set common goals"not preaching to them about what I think they should have or need.
LM: You've obviously done lots of legislative planning. But what about your private life? What about "fun"?
MW: You have to have time for fun. I'm married to a union-side labor lawyer, who is now, as a result of my campaign, an avid political blogger. Ira "Buddy" Gottlieb. I also have a 23-year-old daughter, Gina Gardner, who inherited my mother's flare for fashion" and works in the garment industry. The fact is, they're both a lot of fun.
But I definitely have a serious side. My parents, Teddi and Sam Winograd, and my brother, Barry, influenced me tremendously growing up. My parents marched in the anti-war movement. I remember my mother joining me on the picket line at the Century Plaza Hotel when Nixon came to speak at the height of the Vietnam War. My brother's nine years older than me so I always looked up to him and admired his advocacy work. He was right there in the trenches, fighting the good fight, when I was still in middle school. He'd come home and tell me stories about the things he was doing and my whole face would light up. I loved his dedication to 'causes'. Then there was my 'literary' side as well.
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