Dear
friend of Richmond: :
My name
is Jovanka Beckles and I am running for the Richmond City
Council because I see great need for healthy change here
in our city. I love this City of Richmond where I live
and work. I see all its potential. I realize how much positive
progressive change it needs to become the city of our dreams.
I know it is possible to build it into this city of our
dreams. We must move forward to address our current, as
well as our future needs.
 Important
change is coming at the national level with the likely
election of Senator Barack Obama to the presidency. We
need change at the national level with Barack Obama, and
we need change at our local levels as well. It is ultimately
up to each and every one of us, in every city and in every
neighborhood to produce the local change that we desperately
need.
We have,
in Richmond’s history, very proud moments
of great achievements that have benefited all of our residents.
When we were able to come together from many perspectives
and backgrounds and support our common interests and aspirations
we have excelled (see: www.Richmondblackhistory.org). We
can change the image of Richmond to reflect what we know
to be true- that Richmond is a city of many distinct communities
that reflect the diversity of culture, interests, talents
and possibilities. We can be proud of Richmond’s past
history event as we continue to make history.
We find ourselves today at a crossroads. We have the great
opportunity of re-defining the city where we live. Practicing
forward thinking, we have put Richmond on the map as a city
willing to make a way for a Green Economy that supports rather
than harms the environment. In the coming years we can build
a city-home with enough new jobs for all, where violence
and crime is up-rooted, with clean air to breath and great
after school programs and libraries to learn, with parks
and gardens and community places to enjoy and share. We must
implement policies that dramatically and positively improve
the quality of life for Richmond residents. I feel even more
strongly that it is particularly true for young people. I
have had many sad opportunities to witness the despair of
our youth. The worse was when I was the victim of a home
invasion at gun point two years ago. As terrifying as that
was for me, it was clear to me that those young, desperate
men were equally terrified. They were not frightened of me:
they were afraid of not having any obvious reason to hope
for a good future with equal opportunities. We must address
the root causes of this despair.
The young men and women with whom I work every day want
a future that is prosperous and safe. It is us to us as adults
to provide them with those needs that we all share. They
are the ones who remind me that positive progressive change
is desperately needed and that, fortunately, it is in the
air. I bring to the Council my experience in dealing with
the root causes of violence and crime, my integrity, my Masters
degree in Business Administration, a no-nonsense business
approach, my solid community values, a fresh vision and energy,
along with my dedication to Richmond and my faith in its
residents.
I ask
for your help and support.
Together we can build that city
that is a true home for all of us.
Positive
Progressive Change is needed and it is in the air. |
