There comes a time when one must act. Act with conviction. Act with boldness. Act with courage. My name is Steve Filson and I am a Democratic candidate for Congress in California's 11th District.
I am running because my current representative, Richard Pombo, has never served any interest but his own and has made it his life quest to gut the Endangered Species Act. Further, on almost every issue, I strongly disagree with Mr. Pombo.
In my personal life and career I have always quietly strived to make a difference. The titles I have held mean nothing to me compared to the trusting faces of those I have served. The faces of the people I once led in and out of danger as a young Naval officer, as an airline pilot, the faces of my passengers who thanked me for a safe arrival when the weather conditions during the flight frightened them, and the faces of the young men and women pilot employees who sought out my guidance and counsel to restore peace back into their lives when I was one of their managers.
My life has been dedicated to developing and exercising leadership. It is leadership that is lacking in the country right now and it is leadership that we so sorely need from our representatives in Washington.
The issues and challenges today in our country are complex. Increasingly we are faced with economic pressures from health care costs, energy costs, tuition rates for college, and pension security. These are the issues that I believe need more attention in Washington and that I will fight for in Congress.
I will gladly talk more about issues as the campaign evolves and I look forward to your feedback.
Mr. Pombo is beatable. Fortunately for us, he recently began to reveal his true self to the district. His first shortsighted act was to propose releasing the Farallon Islands to human visitation. What followed were proposals to sell our treasured national parks or allow their trees to be cut for firewood. At the same time, he accepts contributions from developers and oil interests. His agenda is not our agenda and the voters are paying attention.
I have learned that real change and a successful mission happens as a team--you can't do it alone. I say beware the lone "expert" who has all the answers. Everyday new people jump on board the campaign. We can win this race and we will win this race. We know who and where the votes are and how to reach them. We are building the volunteer teams to execute our plan and we are raising the money to get our message out. But more than money, the wind under the wings of this campaign is trust. I hope you will join in this incredibly important effort.
Please know deep down that I will always fight for our Democratic principles and I will bring the right set of priorities to Congress that must emphasize responsibility, integrity, and above all, trust. Please, won't you join me?