Edwards visits Reno
I had the privilege of introducing Senator John Edwards yesterday at his Damonte Ranch High School town hall. Citing the gains Democrats made in the last legislative session, I highlighted the aspect of his campaign I find the most compelling…
John Edwards wants to end poverty in our country within 30 years.
It sounds cliche, and it is indeed idealistic, but Edwards has really thought about the subject, a lot. When I first began my campaigning for the Assembly, I poured over as much information I could find on the issues. One of the more important books I read during that time was David Shipler’s “Working Poor” an overview of the complex dynamics that keep millions of Americans in a cycle of poverty despite their efforts at working hard to get ahead. I first heard about the book listening to Senator Edwards’ podcast- and promptly sought it out at a bookstore.
The Senator has a new book out, “Ending Poverty in America”, a product of his work at the Center on Poverty, Work and Opportunity. What’s unusual about this “candidate book” is that it’s a series of articles from academicians. The result is an overview of the dynamics of poverty and policy prescriptions to remove the obstacles facing the working poor and that hold promise for boosting American prosperity.
Prior to introducing the Senator, I had the opportunity to chat with him one on one and encouraged him to consider the “Nevada” dynamics of our caucus. What does he think about water? How do we strike the balances needed in our management of public lands that provide for economic opportunity while enhancing our quality of life and protecting our natural areas? We traded some ideas and perspectives on these subjects. I wasn’t looking for snap answers and he seemed intrigued by the suggestions and encouragement to further delve into our state’s issues and communities.
I look forward to future conversations Senator Edwards has with Nevadans. His style on the stump the times I’ve seen him is refreshingly open- answering as many questions, unscreened, from the audience as possible. As he was wrapping up his presentation, he encouraged all those he didn’t have time to call on to write questions down on a card and return to his staff so that all in attendance would know where he stands on the issues.