We need to be able to decide our own futures by practicing democracy so we can have an economy work for everyone, have a flourishing educational system, or ensure safety and justice for all of us. If people are barred from voting on the issues that affect them the most – through voter suppression or making the workings of government so unclear we cannot provide meaningful input – elected officials will continue to create rig the game to support a wealthy few while making the lives of regular folks harder.
WHAT OUR NEIGHBORS TOLD US
You have to have people who have a voice, and that people will listen to, and who can move things. If I don’t have that much political power, or that much of a voice- what key people do we have that can make things change?
We need to break down information about how things work, like budgets, so people will understand who key decision makers are, and know that we all have a stake in these decisions.
A FAIR AND TRANSPARENT DEMOCRACY
- We need elected officials who will fight against voter suppression efforts and expand voting by mail, early voting, and same day registration.
- Our City Council and County Commission work sessions should continue to be video recorded and available online after COVID-19.
- Our elected officials should make sure that Guilford County residents know more about how the decisions made by local elected officials affect our everyday lives, and how regular people can impact these decisions.
BUDGETS THAT REFLECT OUR PRIORITIES
- Our local and state officials have a responsibility to raise enough money for a fully functioning government through progressive property and income taxes so that people who have more money pay their fair share, and people who have less pay less.