In my current bid for the Ulster County District 12 legislative seat, I am honored to say that I have been awarded the ballot line for the Women's Equality Party - a political party that stands for the rights of women in a world that has been historically biased against them. I applied for the Women's Equality line because I strongly believe in the foundation of their platform and was thrilled to have been endorsed by the Party.
To my mind, government at all levels needs to take steps to facilitate equality among people across all lines - including lines of gender. As a teacher at SUNY New Paltz for years, I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to mentor students from a broad array of backgrounds - and have to say that many of my alumni, such as Laura Johnsen (now in a PhD program in biological anthropology), Rachael Carmen (author of over a dozen academic articles), Nicole Wedberg (winner of the SUNY New Paltz President's elite Outstanding Student Award), and more regularly remind me of how important the women's movement is. These young women, who are among the brightest people I know, inspire my work every day. As an educator, I see directly, day in and day out, how important it is to provide equal opportunities across gender lines. I am also aware of how much needs to be done to further advance women's rights. And I get concerned when I see markers of women being exploited or not treated on a par with men.
Concerning Advertising
A few weeks ago, someone asked me to check out the YouTube channel for the business of our current legislator in Ulster County District 12. The below pictures are screenshots of "clickbait" advertisements that I found there. While I have no reason to think anything negative about the business itself, I have to say that I don't fully appreciate this approach to advertising. As a candidate running for office on the Women's Equality Party line, I have to say that I have a problem with this.
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| "Clickbait" used in advertising for the YouTube ads for the business of Ulster County Legislator, District 12 |
In the broader scheme of things, gender equality matters a ton. This issue is a major priority of programs across our nation for good reason - and, to my mind, it is up to all of us as Americans to strongly stand for steps toward structural equality when it comes to gender.
On November 7, the voters of Ulster County District 12 will have a choice to make. If you stand for the platform of Women's Equality, I strongly recommend that you give my candidacy your strongest consideration. I'll be more than glad to talk with voters at any point about my platform, background, etc. Women's equality matters. Our shared future matters.
