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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 17, 2005
Contact: Humboldt Coalition for Community Rights
Nicole Spencer, Media Coordinator 444-0407, nicole@votelocalcontrol.org

Fair Elections and Local Democracy Campaign Receives Organized Labor's Endorsement and Support

EUREKA - The Humboldt County ballot initiative to Protect Our Right to Fair Elections and Local Democracy is receiving wide community support and numerous endorsements. The proposed initiative would prohibit non-local corporations from contributing to Humboldt County elections.

"The community support has been overwhelming," said Co-campaign Manager, Nicole Spencer. "Endorsements have been pouring in and everyday more ordinary citizens contact us with offers to help. People are genuinely eager to be part of an effort to protect our local elections from the influence of out-of-county corporate money," she said.

After only three weeks of campaigning the ordinance has already been endorsed by several local labor organizations, including the Central Labor Council, Operating Engineers Local 3, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Union Local 1684, Carpenters Local 751, and the Building and Construction Trades Council of Humboldt County.

"The Fair Elections and Local Democracy campaign is in the best interest of all the working people in Humboldt County. We steadfastly endorse this initiative and encourage everyone's support and involvement," said Jim Smith, President of the Central Labor Council.

Bob Borck, Secretary and Treasurer of the Building and Trades Council of Humboldt County added, "I am glad to see a ballot initiative put forth that will bolster worker's voices in Humboldt County politics."

Local organizations have also been quick to endorse the campaign. The Veterans for Peace Humboldt Bay Chapter 56, the Humboldt Branch of Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, the Humboldt Chapter of Democracy for America, and Local Solutions PAC have all given their formal endorsements and support to the initiative.

"We've been energized by the support from labor and other organizations. The November special election is an attack on working people by large corporations, but in Humboldt County we will protect ourselves against corporate special interests. We are finding that folks are eager to sign our petition," said Co-campaign Manager, Kaitlin Sopoci-Belknap. "Clearly this is an issue that resonates with Humboldt residents."     

Campaign volunteers began circulating petitions on September 17, and have already collected over 2,000 signatures. The group needs 4,500 valid signatures by January to place the initiative on the June 2006 ballot.

The ballot initiative is being put forth by the Humboldt Coalition for Community Rights (HCCR). You can find out more about the ballot initiative at www.VoteLocalControl.org . Contact HCCR to get involved at 444-0407 or email info@VoteLocalControl.org with your questions.

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Humboldt Coalition for Community Rights
Mailing Address: PO Box 610, Eureka, CA 95502-0160
(707) 269-0984 | info@VoteLocalControl.org