Fighting to Move the 45th District Forward
McCray Messenger
September 2016
At the conclusion of another Labor Day we can collectively celebrate the coming of fall, as tradition instructs us to do. With the new season comes my renewed effort to prepare for the next legislative session by continuing to engage with you in order to shape my legislative strategy. From canvassing homes in East Baltimore, to touring an economic engine in our City, to standing with workers seeking workplace justice, I have been out in the public trying to represent the 45th legislative district as best as I can. I want to use this blog to provide some details about those things and other updates from around the district.
Recently, representatives from the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (TLC) and several community leaders from around our City participated in a canvassing event organized by TLC and my office. The day of action targeted registered voters who have not participated in recent elections. We provided them with resources on how they can reengage the voting process. To ensure our residents are heard required electing leaders who are willing to listen. Recognizing that goal, I am driven to help voters access the ballot box even when my name is not on the ballot.
I extend sincere thanks to my neighbors Shannon Sneed, Tamika Winkler, Stephanie Maddin Smith, Ben Groff, Jermaine Jones, Terrell Boston Smith, Anthony Jones, Karen Miller and countless others that invested their time and energy to making this a success.
I recently was given the honor to address the incoming undergraduate class at the University of Baltimore – over 600 students. My message to them was that although Baltimore has some big challenges, we have leaders who wake up every morning motivated to address those challenges and bring about positive change. Further, I told them that we must ensure that each student is successful because we would need “all hands on deck” in order to win that fight.
I took the opportunity to tour an economic engine in our City, the Coca-Cola plant. The plant employs over 100 workers and they boast a diverse workforce, around 60 percent of whom are residents of Baltimore. Many of us in both the private and public sector can learn from their example.
I enjoyed having the opportunity to share this experience with 9th District Democratic Nominee John Bullock and 13th District Democratic Nominee Shannon Sneed.
Every year the Baltimore Alliance or Careers in Healthcare (BACH) hires some of our Baltimore City Public School students for the summer and I was proud to speak at the closing ceremony.
Finally, it is no secret that I am a strong advocate for workers’ rights. So when workers at the Chase Brexton Health Facility located in the Mount Vernon community, within the 45th district, held a rally for their union organizing campaign, I was enthusiastic to speak in support. On August 25, by a 87-9 vote, the workers chose to join Service Employees International Union. This important step toward protect the workers’ interests was also covered by the Baltimore Sun and my remarks can be found below.
Listening. Learning. Leading.
Cory McCray
Delegate, 45th Legislative District
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