Candidate Letter: Senate Seat 7 - Joe Williams

Senate Seat 7

Joe Williams

Enough empty promises. I have solid plans of action. Housing. Jobs with livable wages. Protect our treaty rights. Let’s not forget about the drug addiction epidemic.

Swinomish has its own economy right here. Let’s make it work for everyone in our community, and not just a few people.

So many young people have come to me with housing issues. You grew up in this community, this is your home. You deserve an affordable place to live, here. I have solid plans to make that happen. The didgʷá lič Wellness Center generates income that can be used to support health programs. A housing crisis is a health crisis. Let’s use didgʷá lič funds for housing.

We need job opportunities for our community members with a livable wage, not minimum wage. I have put my own name on the line to get community members hired into good jobs in construction because I care about the people of this community. We will work together, to lift each other up. If elected, I plan to push for the creation of a Swinomish-owned union construction company with well-paying jobs for our community members. The skills that we learn in the fishing industry transfer to the construction industry. Now is the perfect time.

Protect our treaty rights. We need to have a loud, clear, knowledgeable voice, someone who knows the fisheries. The vessel traffic industry is growing so much that fishingin our U&A may become hazardous to our own safetywhen we are out there. I know this because I am yourrepresentative on the “Harbor Safety Committee” and the “Oil Transportation Safety Committee.” I don’t get paid to sit on these committees. I do it because I care. And I will fight to make our voice heard loud and clear. We must protect our way of life and our usual and accustomed areas now and for our next seven generations.

Those of you that know me, know that I have dedicated my life to those still struggling with drug addiction. We lose way too many of our people to this struggle. I will never lose sight of this ongoing issue.

I am sick of hearing empty campaign promises. We need vision, solid plans, and ACTION. With the knowledge I have picked up as a Swinomish Senator, I will be able to hit the ground running. I am willing to be your voice. I will listen to our community members with respect. Let us honor the vision of our ancestors and take care of each other.