NEWS FROM

INDEPENDENT PARTY CANDIDATE

First Congressional District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 12, 2011 CONTACT: Charles E. Lewis, Jr. (917)

JACQUIE AMOS

Amos Pledges to Make Economic Development Work for all Citizens of Hope
Jacquie Amos, the Independent Party candidate for the congressional seat in Californias First Congressional District, stated her concern that economic growth in Hope and other sections of the district had not benefited all residents equally. Gentrification has caused some problems for some residents of Hope, she stated, but we should be careful not to throw the baby out with the bath water. Hope has benefited from new housing, new businesses and an expanding tax base. What we need is smart growth that spreads the benefits around more evenly. Amos says she is concerned about the fact that unemployment in Ward 13 has risen to 16.3 percent while unemployment in the more affluent Ward 2 is down to 1.5 percent. An unemployment rate of 16.3 percent is unacceptable, Amos stated. Economic development is creating new jobs, but we need to examine transportation issues, whether or not jobs are accessible to residents of Ward 13 and whether employment information is being disseminated effectively. Amos blamed conservative efforts that favor developers and the affluent and restrict government actions to ensure that poorer residents would not be displaced. Our elected officials have a responsibility to ensure that adequate housing is created for all income levels, Amos asserted. Amos declined to discuss the corruption charges against the Progressive Party incumbent stating that the alleged charges are still being adjudicated and she did not want to comment until the allegations are resolved. ###