Community Action Program Council of the UAW selects Vivian Houghton to back in race for state Attorney General

Contact:

Robert Bohm, Campaign Coordinator
(302)239-2572  rebsalerno@msn.com

J. Roy Cannon, Media Committee
(302)738-9963  jcannon11@comcast.net

Newark, DE:  The Delaware State Community Action Program (CAP) Council of the United Auto Workers (UAW) this week endorsed Vivian Houghton for state Attorney General.  The endorsement followed their review of Houghton's positions and in light of her many years advocating for Delaware's union workers, including testimony to the Delaware General Assembly against the anti-union "right to work" legislation which she re-named the "right to work for less" legislation at the time. 

"The right to unionize is fundamental to democracy," said Houghton, Green Party candidate about her endorsement. "Historically, unions are the vehicles by which working people have gained access to middle class status."  

Houghton voiced her strong support for legislation to give public employees the right to organize and bargain collectively. In addition, she supports prohibiting state and local funds from being used for contracts unless the contractors agree to remain neutral in organizing drives.  Houghton pointing out that unless this is done, it is too easy for government agencies to "farm out" work to anti-union firms. 

Houghton promoted other issues important to workers including raising the minimum wage to a "living wage" level, single-payer universal health care, and improved civic education in our public schools that gives greater attention to the history of unions and their positive impact on American society.  

With regards to the downturn in the state economy and budget shortfall, Houghton stated, "The best way to improve a slumping economy is to promote job creation - not low-paying jobs but decent-paying jobs.  One area often overlooked and begging for development to create jobs is the area of conservation and the environment",  she noted.