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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 27, 2005
Contact: Humboldt Coalition for Community Rights
Nicole Spencer, Media Coordinator 444-0407, nicole@votelocalcontrol.org

Humboldt Democratic Party and Elected Officials Endorse Local Ballot Initiative

Eureka - The Humboldt County ballot initiative to Protect Our Right to Fair Elections and Local Democracy has received hundreds of endorsements just one month into campaigning. The proposed initiative would prohibit non-local corporations from contributing to Humboldt County elections. The group has already collected 3000 signatures, over half the number required to be placed on the June 2006 ballot.

The Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee gave their formal endorsement to the ballot initiative at last Tuesday's meeting. "The members of the Humboldt County Democratic Central Committee believe it is critically important to return control of this country to the hands of the people. That is what democracy is all about," Patrick Riggs, Chair of the Democratic Central Committee said. "This initiative, by eliminating the influence of wealthy corporate entities, is an excellent way to strengthen democracy in our community. We wholeheartedly support this initiative."

A number of elected officials have also stepped forward to endorse the initiative, including Eureka Mayor Peter LaValle and Eureka Councilmember Chris Kerrigan. Peter LaValle stated, "In 1999 Wal-Mart spent $235,000 in an attempt to change Eureka's zoning laws to give them an exemption to build on the waterfront. I support this ordinance because it will protect our democratically enacted laws."

District Attorney Paul Gallegos agreed, "Our elected representatives need to be free to govern without threat or intimidation from outside corporations that have a financial interest in how local laws are written or enforced."

The Supreme Court has ruled that a community has the right to limit corporate participation if that participation is undermining the democratic process. Over one hundred community members from across the county have signed on to publicly support the ballot initiative, as well as a number of labor and other community organizations.

"This is not a partisan issue. We want to protect our elected officials," HCCR spokesperson Yvonne Doble said. "We want to feel confident that the people we elect will respond to the needs of the local community."

The ballot initiative is being put forth by the Humboldt Coalition for Community Rights (HCCR).  You can view the full list of endorsements or the text of the ordinance at www.VoteLocalControl.org . Contact HCCR to get involved at 444-0407 or email info@VoteLocalControl.org with your questions.

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