Candidate for
Council Member; Town of Moraga

Participation in democracy

As an immigrant from the cradle of democracy, I can understand just how precious being an United States citizen. I saw first hand the costs and impact of the Greek civil war in the late 1940's. My father courageously sought a better life for his family after nearly losing two brothers to an partisan firing squad. He gave up all that he had so that I, his daughter, could have the opportunity that was never available to him. This is why I cherish and commit myself to the field of education and public service.

But I am deeply troubled by what I see around me. I see a town council that, in my opinion, do not share the same principles as what the word 'democracy' means. Democracy from the Greek means 'voice of the people'. I see the voice of many of my fellow citizens being ignored and minimized. Fortunately when left with no other option, all of us have the freedom to change the government. Further, this is our duty as defined by the Founding Fathers to change any government that is not serving the governed. This is why I decided, once again, to volunteer to serve my fellow citizens and be their voice in local public policy debates and decisions.

Democracy is the most fragile of political concepts. It needs to be nurtured and cared for so that we, as democracy's stewards, can bestow this wonderful political concept to the next generation. I promise, if elected, to live up to these principles that democracy was founded upon so long ago in my birthplace of Greece. To be a voice of and for the people. To encourage full participation in the legislative process. To bring the light of public scrutiny to ALL council proceedings. It is only by these actions can trust and confidence be enjoyed by all the citizens in our wonderful community of Moraga.