Stratton protects jobs, workers

There are several candidates for City Council District 3, but only one of them has a proven track record of working to protect jobs and employee security. That candidate is Karen Stratton.

Since her appointment last September, she has supported measures to ensure that the nearly $100 million in public works projects for streets and Riverfront Park include ample opportunity for apprentices. She has worked with the other council members and administrators to pass the Ban the Box initiative, ensuring a fair shot at employment for those with criminal backgrounds who are trying to become productive, law-abiding citizens.

Most importantly, she continues to work for paid sick and safety leave for all employees, but insists that any mandate from the council allows businesses to use workable alternatives (such as shift-swapping) and has sensible exemptions for small businesses. Throughout the debate on paid sick leave, she has been firm in demanding that all affected parties – employee advocates and business organizations alike – have a voice in the conversation.

A vote for Karen Stratton is a vote to protect the workers in our community who depend on family-wage jobs. I urge all my fellow citizens to keep her on the Spokane City Council.

Sandy Roistacher

Spokane