Press
July 24, 2006
Ervin Receives Endorsement from District Five Councilmember Tom Perez
Valerie Ervin was endorsed by District Five Councilmember Tom Perez today at a press conference held at Silver Spring International Middle School. The endorsement came immediately after she and Perez co-convened a community meeting with African American, Latino, and Asian American leaders to discuss strategies for increasing minority voter participation in the upcoming elections.
Perez said, "I can't think of a better person to represent the people of District Five on the Montgomery County Council. I strongly endorse Valerie Ervin for her depth of vision, experience, and leadership. She has established a strong record for bringing people together and getting things done. As a result, she is highly regarded in District Five and across the County."
Valerie's Remarks at the Press Conference:
Why do I run?
I run for my grandmother Sula an illiterate sharecropper who raised three children alone in Alabama and succeeded against the odds.
Why do I run?
I run for my parents who only a generation ago, fought for the right to vote, fought for the right for equal educational opportunities, and fought for the rights of full citizenship.
Why do I run?
I run for my sons who grew up in a generation of young black men who didn't have to worry about being lynched or denied access to schools, colleges, jobs, or housing because of the color of their skin.
Why do I run?
I run for those who fought and died for me to be able to place my name on the ballot for the right to represent you the people of District 5.
Why do I run?
I run for those who have come to this country seeking the promise of a better life. Those whose voices have been silenced through fear and intimidation. Their struggle is our struggle.
Why do I run?
I run because I feel that I must. The opportunity to run for this seat in this district may not come again for me - the time is now. I have spent my entire adult life in preparation for this moment. I was raised by parents who instilled in me the knowledge that to whom much is given much is required. I am guided by my faith tradition, my work ethic, a strong sense of justice and my great love for this community. I believe that each of us can make a difference in the world. My message of tolerance, good judgment, vision and experience makes me the best candidate to represent you on the County Council.
Why do I run?
Because District 5 is losing a great champion. I am running because there is so much left to be done. We can build the Inner Purple Line, we can find solutions to traffic congestion, we can provide health care for all, and we will build and develop this county according to sound planning principles.
I run because Freedom is not free. The traditional idea of freedom is progressive. It means that we must expand citizen participation and voting rights to all people. We must expand opportunity. We must expand worker rights, public education, and access to capital. The Democratic Party is our party, a party that is big enough and bold enough to represent a new vision. We will win this election the way progressives have always won, we will win together.
