Political Philosophy for Nancy Lynn Abrams

Candidate for
Council Member; City of Eureka; Ward 3

I believe the role of government is to solve problems. It is not practical for every citizen to get together to do this, so representatives are elected to do this. The representatives assess taxes in order to pay for projects that solve these problems.

What problems the Eureka City Council tackles should represent the will of the people of Eureka, free of bias and personal interest and obligation.

When I refer to the will of the people, I am not just referring to the business and property owners, but all people, rich and poor, propertied or not. Poor and homeless does not equate to no rights. All are citizens of this city and all deserve consideration of their needs and problems.

With that in mind, I firmly believe in personal and social responsibility. That means each one of us must take responsibility for ourselves and also a responsibility to our fellow citizens. Each member of the community owes it to the community to contribute what they can for the betterment of the community, and each who can should extend a hand to those who cannot.

There are those in the community and on the city council who have a vision of a physically beautiful Eureka, that is visitor as well as citizen friendly. And their contributions are important.

Is there anyone on the city council who has a vision of a spiritually beautiful Eureka? This means addressing the needs of the homeless and the drug addicted. The world of the city council members has been insulated by their socioeconomic status and the quality of life that affords them. They do not like to see the unpleasantness of the "other." They do not seem to recognize that these people have rights as well. These people, our neighbors, have the right to be heard and the right to have their problems addressed as any other citizen would.

I would like the city council to institue town hall meetings where all citizens can air their concerns and grievences. No one would get preferential treatment because of their socioeconomic status or connections.

I would like the city council to encourage all citizens to actively participate in legislative activism. We all msut be sure our elected representatives in Sacramento and Washington are acting in our best interests.

This includes securing monies for harbor, port and railroad development. This includes monies for homeless shelters and other services for the homeless; monies for drug treatment programs; monies for low income housing. Along with money, there must be a community will. The Eureka City Council can take a leadership role in this.

If we realistically address the problem of methamphetemine and heroin addicition, we will make our community safer with reduced crime and violence.

The city council must work in partnership with Eureka City employees that they have the best working conditions, benefits and salaries that it can provide.

A responsible democracy is a particpatory democracy from the grassroots. This means encouraging all citizens to participate in the civic life of Eureka. Together we can make Eureka a good place to live.