Opinion/Views at Phila. Front Page News; Laruen Townsend

Opinion/Views at Phila. Front Page News; Laruen Townsend

Candidate, Vanessa Brown pledges new fresh approach to legislating in the 190th
by Lauren Townsend

Vanessa Brown is serious about democracy and the legislative process. Being an agent of change in her own life has made her realize that she can help her neighbors and community creates change in their lives as well.

With a teenage son in high school, Vanessa Brown is actively involved in education issues, both in his school and in the school district. An advocate for self-improvement and empowerment, she is currently enrolled at Community College of Philadelphia and a participant in the New Choices New Options Program.

Brown is a Community Organizer for the West Philadelphia Coalition. Before taking this position in 2006, Vanessa volunteered her services to the Coalition, organizing such activities as the annual holiday dinner and assisting with other initiatives. As a Community Organizer in the Parent Volunteers Program, Vanessa recruited parents to volunteer in their children's schools, and assisted with parent training, including developing and coordinating training on Financial Literacy. She also served as liaison between the Coalition and the school to support the school's participation in the program and resolve any problems that occurred.

Vanessa's broad and varied experience as a community activist and advocate has enhanced the ability of West Philadelphia Community Based Organizations to serve its constituency. She worked as the Community Outreach Specialist at a shelter for homeless women and children; led the Mothers on the Move Committee at the Philadelphia Unemployment Project, and was a representative for the National Campaign for Jobs and Income Support. Vanessa chairs the Community Policing Committee of the Weed and Seed Project.

The gerrymandered 190th district. that includes parts of Southwest, West and North Philadelphia needs a real champion and catalyst for change. It has very few beacons of economic development and prosperity. Brown said, “The 190th is a district with enormous potential but is one that struggles. When I get to Harrisburg, I want to do everything in my power to pass legislation that will avail the district with the building blocks of economic prosperity and stable families: housing, jobs, education, healthcare and social justice.”

Vanessa Brown is the only Democrat on the ballot running for State Representative in the 190th District.

Brown is interested in a pursuing a variety of proactive measures when she gets to Harrisburg. Among them is micro-lending; Brown wants to reduce the regulatory barriers of lenders so that low and moderate income residents of the 190th district who have no or little credit could get small loans to start small businesses. “More lenders coming to the table will only help to create more business opportunities to our neighborhoods,” said Brown.

Senior citizens in the 190th are wrestling with long term care, affordability and options. When Brown gets to Harrisburg she wants to join in the quest for comprehensive reform of long term care services in the commonwealth. “We need affordable choices of where to get services, an end to unwanted institutionalization of consumers and more in-home care options and community based services, “said Brown. “We should have a consumer bill of rights for home and community based care that includes higher standards for workers in long term care field and a living wage and benefits.”

Promoting affordable housing for consumers and seniors and real wage jobs for working families will also be a top priority for Vanessa Brown when she gets to Harrisburg.

Brown is thrilled to be running for state representative in this historic primary election season. She is a strong supporter of Barack Obama and, like Obama, believes that yes, we can.