Earlier this month I wrote a diary titled Why I'm running for Congress
With two days until the Alabama Democratic Primary, I wanted to give you an update and re-introduce myself. We've gained broad support throughout the district gaining the co-endorsement just yesterday of the Demopolis Times
What cannot be denied is that she’s aggressive and a political warrior, which is exactly what the Black Belt needs in office if we are to see any form of progress or have any voice in Washington.
I'm about people and not politics. I've been telling people on the campaign trail that when we go to Congress, we go together. When people vote for the next member of Congress for this district they should vote to elect someone who will impact their life not their own.
In two days, voters in the Alabama 7th Congressional District will have the opportunity to elect the first African-American woman from our great state. I am one of three females in this four person race. This is not new territory for me as I've been a trailblazer. I was the youngest member elected to the Jefferson County Commission and the first ever African-American female.
I appreciate the many folks at Daily Kos and who have helped me on this journey. Thanks for letting me talk to you about why I'm running for Congress and how I will make a difference.
I started this journey almost a year ago on June 13, 2009 by taking a bus tour of the 7th Congressional District. I think about that day constantly as I enter the final few days of this journey.
We started in Selma at the Good Samaritan hospital where we stood on the site of the only African American hospital in this city during segregation. (see picture below)
Unfortunately the doors of this hospital closed in 1983 and access to residents of this community was denied. Many residents of this district have to travel too far for medical attention. Health care disparity and the quality of care have been an integral part of my campaign platform since Day one.
On the announcement tour we also spoke to residents at the site of the Oak Park Villas in Lipscomb, Alabama where affordable housing and a walking track were built for Seniors. As a member of the Jefferson County Commission I fought to secure Federal and local funding for this project. I also got funding to repair bridges deemed to unsafe to travel and among the worst in the nation. I am also proud of the fact that we got the AC and heating repaired in several Senior Centers because we worked hard during our tenure.
Throughout the past year, I've traveled the entire district. Alabama 07 stretches from Birmingham and the Western side of Jefferson County into the Black Belt. The Black Belt region of the State is one of the most impoverished districts of the county.
It pains me to see people hurting here because they lack the basic infrastructure that will provide jobs. My family is from Sumter County which is in the heart of the Black Belt. I understand the problems and concerns of the people in both the urban and rural parts of this district.
Our district has a lot of untapped resources. We need to make sure those resources are utilized. I plan on joining Committees such as the Agriculture Committee as well as the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee which will help us better develop these resources and access to the region. Only when they are developed will we create more and better jobs.
It is critical that we put the right person in this seat that will work that will do the right thing with this seat. It is disturbing and painful to see that people in AL-07 which has some of poorest communities in America has not prospered. I'm committed to work for them and make government work for them.
I've done things for all communities in my district I've built schools, senior citizens housing and improved roads and bridges. These improvement matter to people in this district. I will be engaged in policy and introducing legislation that further helps these communities. I believe that a member of Congress is obligated to direct resources to those most in need. This is currently not happening in AL-07.
Many people talk about change. If we had a major adjustment we would do better. I'm committed to make what will be a sacrifice to make sure the least of these get their fair share. Throughout my career as an investigative journalist and hosting the Six on Your Side segment, I've been helping people especially the least of these. I've always had an open door policy. I want to continue this when we go to Washington.
Our campaign has worked hard to communicate via the newest tools of technology.
And if you are able please donate as a member of Grassroots for Smoot on Act Blue - You will receive a coveted Smoot for Congress T-Shirt if you make a $20.10 or more today. We still need last minute supplies for election day like water for our volunteers and one more bus to transport our voters to the polls
We need just $240 to reach our budget.
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