Contra Costa Elections

GPCC Council
Power Vacuums: Building Consensus via Contra Costa Green Candidates
Electing Public Officials
If the Green Party is to capitalize on the shift of power and the bumbling of Republicans for a sense of identity, it's time for EVERYONE who's ever thought they might run for office to strike up the courage and do it in 2010.

Direct Democracy ~ The Power
of California's Initiative Process
If the Green Party is to capitalize on the shift of power and the bumbling of Republicans for a sense of identity, it's time for EVERYONE who's ever thought they might run for office to strike up the courage and do it in 2010.

We have little control without being seated at the bargaining table. Case in point, Richmond has done much having organized a corporate "city coup." With a massive Oil Megolith headquartered there; determined, inventive people organized well to deliver the Mayor's seat to a progressive Green Party member [more]...

Grassroots Campaigns
Contra Costa Registrar of Voters
California Initiative
California Elections
Personhood is for People
Humboldt County on Initiative Process

People's Legislation
Proposal: Vigorously Pursue a County Resolution denying Corporations the Rights of Natural Persons

Anyone who followed the protests of the World Trade Organization meeting in Seattle can likely name the chain coffee house that had its windows broken (Starbucks), the color of the clothing worn by the demonstrators who broke the windows (the "black-clad" anarchists), or the cartoon characters the riot-gear-clad Seattle police most resembled (Ninja Turtles).

But how many know what brought the protesters into the streets? The demonstrations were the result of a coalition of labor, environmental and human-rights groups, each bringing their own specific concerns. But we were told little about those concerns, and even less about the simple principle that brings those groups together:

Corporations shouldn't run the world, people should.
~Robert Jensen
Department of Journalism University of Texas
Corporate Power is the Central Issue

The main functions of this council are...

Visibility of Green's Position
Comcast Avertising

...while embittered battles among City Council have ensued, having a loyal progressive at the table has enabled Richmond to enact progressive people-centric policies and to challenge corporate power in many ways. In El Cerrito a progressive Green got herself appointed to the city's planning commission and used her good deeds and wit to launch that into a City Council seat where she continues her progressive outreach.

The reverse is equally stark. In the Concord Naval Base fight several proposals were drawn up for consideration and public workshops and hearings were conducted... several progressive organizations and individuals attended religiously. However, in the end the decision to go through with one of the least desireable proposals was selected to move forward and all we could say was, "gosh darn, we'll have to do better next time." No seat, no say. Monied interests will always have the last say.

This decision making process needs to, no, must end. As long as corporations can make the rules and finance political campaigns it will continue. Developers and homebuilders will influence city and county zoning and development decisions.

Last changed 05/20/2015 (BH)

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Contra Costa Elections