Nicole,

Thanks for the opportunity to write this. I hope it is what you were looking for.

Yours, Silver Persinger

Verbatim

I, Silver Persinger, humbly offer my name to the Citizens of Richmond for their consideration as a write-in candidate for mayor. After learning more about the other four candidates for mayor, I became convinced that the differences among candidates were slight and that they were the representatives of moneyed interests -- a sign of a city government that panders to businessmen and developers while making only token gestures to its citizenry. It’s likely more river front development will be pushed in the coming years. I am not only opposed to the proposed new stadium, but I am opposed to development along the River Front. The natural beauty of the James River, despite its polluted condition, is the gem of the city.
It is true that I lack the experience of the other candidates. However, I did spend six months from September of 2003 - April 2004 attending all informal and formal council meetings, and nearly every subcommittee meeting. During that period, I learned a lot about the city and the structure and format of our local government. The question I have been asked in the three interviews I have given to local press is “Why now, with just 3 weeks to the election?” My reply is that I believe in democracy. It is my hope that if the public will hear what my campaign is about they will vote for me. None of the other candidates challenge the assumptions made regarding the justice of our economic system. Inequality and poverty are woven into the fabric of our Capitalist society and lay at the heart of crime and society’s ills.
The sheer apathy among voters either to run themselves or to have the political organizations in place to represent their interests has made the contest a one-sided race among professional politicians. Regular citizens need to become involved in our local government. I am offering an alternative vision for government. One which values human life, the dignity of workers, justice, equality, and freedom. These are the ideals I hope to represent in this race. I am a candidate of the people, eager to represent “the People.” This is what I consider to be my greatest strength -- I am hesitant to work with people that are eager to make deals.
I want my candidacy to be viewed as a referendum on the 4 year mayor. I supported the creation of an elected mayor in 2002 when I ran for City Council in the 6th District. However, I think the mayor’s term should limited to 2 years to limit the mayor’s power, to help ensure democratic control of the government in the hands of the people, and to help keep down the price of running for office. If elected, there would be a referendum on the November 2005 ballot asking Richmond Voters whether they favored a 2, 3, or 4 year terms.
I would do everything in my power to effect change at the ballot box to make it even more democratic. I support Instant Run-off elections, the ballot initiative, the referendum, and the recall. These are the tools of democracy and we need to use them in order to get the most out of our government.
I have three main local platforms. I am interested in the city creating an affordable day care system for all city residents that is free to low income families. Secondly, I am interested in reducing or abolishing personal property taxes for low income senior citizens. And thirdly, I would like to see the city institute a carpentry apprenticeship program where workers sign a contract to work for the city for 2 years, learning the trade from skilled carpenters, earning a living wage, and rebuilding properties that the city already owns. This would be an efficient form of job training, urban renewal, and improving the city’s housing stock.
Finally, my most radical position is that I am an advocate for the State of Virginia legalizing marijuana. Not just for its use in cigarettes, but as a source of fuel, and fiber for paper and fabric. The marijuana issue is a matter personal liberty and good public policy. Our Federal government has already legislated the use of deadly poisons like tobacco and alcohol. Marijuana is not poisonous, and it not known to have caused a single death. Now is the time for Virginia to raise again this much prized commodity by licensed growers.
If you like my ideas, I need your help, I need your vote. Remember, I am not on the ballot and you will have to cast a write in vote. Instructions on how to perform a write in vote are located inside of the machine.
Thank you for your time and consideration. If you would like to learn more about my campaign, please visit my web site www.votesilver.com or give me a call 683-7845.