Daily Archives: May 13, 2022

May 12LEWISTON Kari Morissette, executive director of the Church of Safe Injection, has died.

According to organization officials, Morissette died Friday, May 6, at the age of 33. No cause of death was listed.

In announcing Morissette's passing, peers described her as "a fierce advocate and friend to people who use drugs, fighting for their health, rights and dignity. Under her leadership, the Church of Safe Injection became certified as a state Syringe Service Program through the Maine (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) to operate in Westbrook, Lewiston, Rumford, Bethel and Dixfield. Their brick-and-mortar program and administrative office is at 195 Main Street in Lewiston."

Morissette was also active in the state Legislature where she lobbied for laws to help connect people to recovery services and to "dismantle systems that oppress marginalized communities." She was also a certified intentional peer support specialist and recovery coach at Spurwink Services in Portland.

"Kari shared her heart with everyone," according to the announcement, posted at mainehomelessplanning.org. "From volunteering for the Maine Association of Recovery Residences and conducting focus groups to facilitating meetings for people who experienced sexual assault and trafficking, Kari was always the first to offer her time, her love and her wisdom."

"We love Kari and we are shattered by her loss," said Zoe Brokos, director of operations for the Church of Safe Injection. "We are grieving the loss of our beloved friend, a fierce advocate, and a respected leader in the recovery and harm reduction communities. Kari was one-of-a-kind. She was brave, compassionate, and visionary. She was unwavering in her commitment that people who use drugs should have safety, community and hope. Every single person Kari met was motivated by her love and positivity. That is the legacy she leaves with us. We dedicate our work to Kari's memory and the statement she lived by: We learn, we grow and we keep it moving."

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In Lewiston, the safe needle exchange program kicked off Feb. 1 on Main Street. The group had been founded in 2018 by Jesse Harvey, a controversial figure who died of a drug overdose in 2020.

"We distribute safe supplies in hopes of stopping people from reusing and sharing supplies so that we can lower endocarditis rates, HIV and hepatitis C, and we distribute naloxone in hopes of lowering overdose rates," Morissette said at that event.

On social media more recently, Morissette had posted on Facebook May 5, the day before her death, to update friends on the resolution of a criminal case out of Florida. It's an energetic and positive post and gives no indication that Morissette was experiencing physical or emotional distress.

Friends, co-workers and people who had been helped by Morissette also took to Facebook to express their thoughts on her passing. Those messages came from across the country.

"Our connection runs the gamut," wrote one Florida woman, "from the mean streets of Miami to the beautiful journey in recovery. I hope and pray your spirit is finally and eternally at peace. Well done, thy good and faithful servant."

"Please know you have always been a shining light for me," wrote a woman in Schenectady, New York. "Ever since I relapsed, you have always answered the phone for me no matter what."

"You were such an amazing person, advocate, and prominent community member making strides for change in our community," wrote a young woman in South Portland. "Thank you for everything you've done for me and for the community. You will be missed by many."

"You have made a difference on this planet," offered a woman on Prince Edward Island.

"I can't believe this beautiful soul is gone," wrote a woman in Biddeford.

"Kari, you did so many amazing, beautiful, revolutionary, and ground-breaking things while you graced this earth," wrote a Portland man. "We will continue to do to the work now with you in our hearts and minds."

In an unsigned notice from the Church of Safe Injection, organization leaders, too, vowed to keep up with the work to which Morissette had dedicated her life.

"There are not enough words to express this loss and the impact it will have on our hearts," according to the notice, posted on Facebook May 7. "But know this, Kari would want us to keep working and that's what we will do. In her honor and always in the ways she taught us: Deep, to the core love and unwavering respect."

The group is planning a gathering to honor Morissette on Sunday, May 22, at the Eastern Promenade gazebo in Portland.

According to the announcement, Morissette is survived by a daughter, two sisters, a brother and a father, "plus so many people who loved her exactly for who she was."

Read this article:

Kari Morissette, director of Church of Safe Injection, dead at 33 - Yahoo News

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, May 12, 2022

MOBIfest is back and in-person for the first time in over two years with a weekend full of pride, hope, and celebration.

NEW YORK, May 12, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative (MOBI) is proud to announce the live return of MOBIfest, an annual interactive wellness festival that focuses on culture, community, and health while celebrating the voices of Black gay and queer people of color in the arts, entertainment, and media on June 9th - 12th, with a prefestival activation on Sunday, June 5th.

MOBI was created in 2017 in response to a lack of spaces for Black gay men and queer communities of color to develop personally and professionally while creating a supportive community network. That mission has only grown stronger and prouder in its fifth year of programming, "MOBI was able to continue to create engaging content during the pandemic to unite our community members and others online. While we've been extremely successful reaching people digitally, we're even more thrilled with connecting to people in person again," said Julian J. Walker, Deputy Director of MOBI. "We cannot wait to bring this free festival to life and create, thrive, collaborate, and gather with community and friends from NYC and beyond."

This year MOBI is going bigger and more intentional than ever. This year MOBIfest will be a four-day experience where all attendees can and will see their holistic selves:

Sunday, June 5th at 2 PM, MOBIfest will kick off with a pre-festival Queer Art Show and Party curated by Kendrick Daye, showcasing artwork submitted by local queer artists. This event will take place at 530 W 25th St., New York, NY 10001.BMAJR will serve as the event DJ.

Thursday, June 9th at 10 pm MOBIfest Official Kick-Off Party withTrappy Hour at 4West Lounge, 303 W 127th St, New York, NY 10027. Harmonica Sunbeam will host an evening full of celebration.

Friday, June 10th, will feature a MOBIfest Community Gathering; more details will be announced. Join MOBI for a day for communities of all ages to come together and relax in a shared space.

Saturday, June 11th at 6 pm, MOBIfest will make its return to the Music Hall of Williamsburg, 66 N 6th St, Brooklyn, NY 11211, with a curated lineup of queer-focused artists, entertainers, ballroom legends, and DJs, featuring Albanus Thierry, Bambihanna, BMAJR, Britton & The Sting, DJ Adair, DJ Boston Chery, Dyllon Burnside, Harmonica Sunbeam, Jash Jay, JeRonelle, Julian King, Kandy Muse, Kenneth Kyrell, Mila Jam, Sevndeep, TENz Magazine, and Wuhryn with more artist to be announced. Attendees will be guided through the evening by two Black queer couples:Brande Elise andDanielle Gray,and Marco Reese and Randy Bowden Jr. Following MOBIfest, the afterparty will continue at the Music Hall of Williamsburg with a special performance.

Sunday, June 12th at 8 PM, MOBI joins TENz Magazine for a MOBIfest Edition of "Some Nice Things" at Madam X, 94 W Houston St, New York, NY 10012. The event will feature a mini-ball with cash prizes over $2,500.

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"We are proud to be sponsors of the 2022 MOBIfest. Gilead knows the importance of facilitating organic connections and empowerment opportunities through creative programming," said Darwin V. Thompson, Director of Corporate Giving, Gilead Sciences, Inc. "The work of Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative has been critical to cultivating these safe spaces, and we're beyond excited to participate in this year's festival."

For more information on MOBI and register for the MOBIfest, please visit http://mobi-nyc.com/mobifest2022.

Media Contact:Alloric Riley, Account ManagerCoordinator@Houseofheralds.com

About Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative:Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative (MOBI) is a series of curated social connectivity programming and events, launched in 2017, for Black gay men and queer people of color to see their holistic self while promoting community, wellness, and personal development. MOBI engages communities through free programming such as MOBIfest and MOBItalks. MOBI is committed to connecting individuals to opportunities to better themselves before, during, and after our signature programming. With a focus on health and wellness, MOBI seeks to cultivate a more informed, better equipped, and supportive network for the communities we serve.

In an effort to affect greater audiences, in 2020 we transformed our signature live programming MOBIfest into a virtual experience and MOBItalks into a 3 part digital series that documents the intersectionalities of LGBTQ life and culture through the themes of sex, mental health and identity.

For more information on MOBI, please visit, http://www.mobi-nyc.com

Cision

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SOURCE Mobilizing Our Brothers Initiative (MOBI)

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MOBIfest Presented by Gilead Sciences, Inc. Returns to New York with Collection of Celebrations and Experiences June 5 - 12 - Yahoo Finance

The Naming, Renaming, Commemoration, and Removal Handbook is now available for public use.

Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - May 12, 2022) - Heritage Calgary, a civic partner with a mandate to advise Calgary City Council on all matters relating to the city's heritage, has released its framework for Naming, Renaming, Commemoration, and Removal (NRCR) in Calgary. The handbook will serve as a valuable resource and discussion guide for anyone considering an NRCR project.

"As more Calgarians became involved in NRCR projects, the need for a clear process to make intentional, inclusive, and enduring decisions, became increasingly clear," says Josh Traptow, Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Calgary. "This project provided a unique opportunity to critically and thoughtfully examine a complex social issue that has broad implications and gain insight into its significance and resulting impact."

In February 2021, at the request of a member of City Council, Heritage Calgary applied to the Council Innovation Fund with a proposal to develop a framework to address naming, renaming, and commemorations in Calgary. City Council subsequently approved the proposal on March 1, 2021.

Over the next 12 months, Heritage Calgary, in tandem with its project team, undertook parallel community engagement and research processes to develop the NRCR Handbook for Calgary-based organizations to use when they are considering an NRCR project and policy changes. The resulting principles and eight-step process seeks to guide users to understand a project's relationship to the place on which it is located, engage with the community in a meaningful way, and seek a thorough understanding of the historical and contemporary context through research.

"We approached this project in the spirit of reconciliation," continues Traptow. "Our hope with NRCR work going forward is to understand the implications for each NRCR project, its context, and its legacy for the betterment of all community members."

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As part of the framework project a Final Report was also released, which outlines the project approach as well as research and engagement findings. It also provides recommendations for Calgary communities, for the City of Calgary in the context of policy, reconciliation, and civic supports, and for Heritage Calgary going forward.

For more information or to view the framework, visit https://www.heritagecalgary.ca/naming.

To view the Naming, Renaming, Commemoration Project Fact Sheet, click here.

Naming, Renaming, Commemoration, and Removal Handbook Cover Image

To view an enhanced version of this image, please visit:https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/8823/123735_1734d0fed41b88a1_001full.jpg

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About Heritage Calgary

Heritage Calgary is a charitable Civic Partner of The City of Calgary focused on the research, education, and preservation of our shared heritage in Calgary. We believe heritage is a dynamic process by which identity is experienced, interpreted, and represented and take pride in working with Calgarians to honour the fabric that we are all a part of. For more information, visit http://www.heritagecalgary.ca.

Heritage Calgary Media ContactShannon McLaughlin1-825-305-2966smclaughlin@heritagecalgary.ca

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/123735

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Heritage Calgary Unveils Framework for Naming, Renaming, Commemoration, and Removal in Calgary - Yahoo Finance

EAST ALTON Improvements are coming to river infrastructure, according to officials speaking Wednesday at a Mississippi River Corridor Summit on Water Infrastructure Funding in East Alton.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency officials hosted the summit along with state co-regulators and the Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative mayors at the National Great Rivers Research and Education Center Confluence Field Station.

Zealan Hoover, Senior Advisor on Infrastructure Implementation to the EPA, said the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law mandates that 49 percent of the $43 billion provided through Drinking Water and Clean Water State Revolving Funds must be distributed as grants and forgivable loans to qualifying disadvantaged communities.

"Not every program is going to get dollars out the door in a day," Hoover said. "But collectively, across the hundreds of programs in the infrastructure bill, you're going to see progress every week as we move this forward."

EPA Region 5 Administrator Debra Shore oversees Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, Wisconsin and 35 Native American tribes. According to Shore, the infrastructure law will provide the 10 states that border the Mississippi River with nearly $1 billion in 2022 alone, while creating more than 20,000 jobs.

"When we talk about building a better America, this is what we mean," Shore said.

Funding from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law will provide significant benefits to Illinois, especially to our small and disadvantaged communities that have limited resources to meet essential wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs, said Illinois EPA Director John J. Kim. We welcome this opportunity to work with our federal partners and meet with local officials, so we can better address the challenges these communities face and provide the necessary resources to get the funding where it is needed most.

Lewis and Clark Community College President Ken Trzaska noted this is the 20th year for the NGRREC, founded through a collaborative partnership between the college, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the Illinois Natural History Survey. The center aspires to be a leader in scholarly research, education and outreach related to the interconnectedness of large rivers, their floodplains, watersheds and their associated communities.

"It has continued to grow and to celebrate the remarkable work of partnership along the Mississippi River, and along rivers across the county," Trzaska said.

The summit focused on engaging MRCTI mayors in water and wastewater challenges and needs, especially those with equity and environmental justice concerns such as small rural communities. East St. Louis Mayor Robert Eastern, and MRCTI Illinois State Chair, said his city's biggest challenge is technical assistance.

"Our infrastructure and sewer systems are dated, over 100 years old," he said. "There needs to be a real, intentional, comprehensive plan working towards the freshwater flow from uphill areas."

Alton Mayor David Goins noted similar freshwater flow issues because Alton is an area with a lot of hills.

"It ends up with a lot of our streets being flooded," Goins said. "The infrastructure being improved will be great."

Grafton Mayor Mike Morrow said his public works department has just four employees and the city's infrastructure "is that of the 1800s."

"I hear that we got all this money coming out, and we're all excited," Morrow said. "But what I'm also hearing is that you're overwhelmed. "I will tell you, we are overwhelmedbecause I can count my staff on one hand."

dylan.suttles@thetelegraph.com

Here is the original post:

Progress forecast for river projects - Alton Telegraph

The Advocate-Messenger sent a survey to all candidates running for local office for this special section to introduce the candidates. The local primary election is May 17.

All candidates answered the same questions, which were limited by character counts in a Google form. The questions are:

1. Please enter your name and tell us about your background (300 characters or less)

2. Why are you the best candidate for this office? (600 characters or less)

3. What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle? (300 characters or less)

4. How would you address this issue in your elected office? (600 characters or less)

Candidates had the option to submit a headshot for print. The Advocate-Messenger sent this survey to the emails that were associated with candidates applications to run for office.

Not every commissioner candidate is listed in the section because we did not receive responses from every candidate by press time. They may be added before May 17 if we receive responses from remaining candidates.

In the non-partisan races of Danville mayor and city commissioners, only two of the three mayor candidates will continue to the general election. Eight of the nine commissioner candidates will continue to the general election.

Danville Mayor:

James J.H. Atkins

I have lived and served in Danville for over 40 years as a classroom teacher, principal, director of elementary schools, and college professor and administrator, veteran, and volunteer who still wants to serve our community as a public servant rather than a politician.

Why are you the best candidate for this office?

I have volunteered to serve in various capacities throughout our community for many years. I was the chairperson of Citizens Concerned for Human Relations for over 25 years and organized 15 successful community-wide Heritage Festivals. I am currently serving my 12th year on the city commission and my 8th year as our mayor pro tem. I have the knowledge, the skills, and the ability to get people to come together collaboratively and cooperatively.

What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

The issue of workforce development and housing. We must have people who are trained and educated to do the jobs that need to be done. Each worker must receive a living wage and have a decent, affordable place to live.

How would you address this issue in your elected office?

Get the schools involved with addressing the needs of students who are not college bound. Make full use of Bluegrass Community and Technical College to provide vocational training. Reassess our business and manufacturing employment needs. Continue to work with surrounding counties on how the sharing of employees impacts our workforce. Work on improving the relationship between the Economic Development Partnership and Economic Development Authority so that Danville and Boyle County will speak as one economic development voice, standing proud and standing together.

James Morris Hunn

Im a 1984 graduate of Danville High School, faithfully served in the USAF for 27 years. My leadership was crucial in providing senior military and civilian leaders with guidance to operate strategically in complex environments through the application of leadership problem-solving.

Why are you the best candidate for this office?

The leadership experience I received as a senior enlisted leader in the USAF shaped my life for this opportunity to continue to serve my community. I was blessed to lead our servicemen and women in meeting the top priorities of our nation. This one-team mindset is crucial for Danville as we move forward. Furthermore, I love the challenge of encouraging people to come together to work for the common good. I believe I have been called to be a servant-leader. It is an honor to see people coming together to ensure we are led with integrity, compassion, service, and excellence.

What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

I believe jobs and the lowering of taxes is one of the pressing issues thats affecting us during this election cycle. Jobs and taxes affect all areas of our economic development to include how it affects the decisions of families concerning housing, jobs, and education.

How would you address this issue in your elected office?

First and foremost is to lead with a servant-leaders heart leading by an example of building a one-team, one-community mindset to meet these challenges. This must entail building trust with businesses, citizens, and community leaders with honest and open-minded engagement. This starts with intentional conversations. I envision quarterly meetings with county, and surrounding cities, and business leaders to continue mapping out how we can work together for a vision for long-term economic growth for workforce development, sustainable job growth, affordable housing, and lower taxes.

Denise Terry

Im currently serving my 8th year as a city commissioner. I am a Danville/Boyle County native and reside in Danville with my husband. While residing and owning a business downtown, I began attending city commission meetings to educate myself and felt compelled to run for city commission.

Why are you the best candidate for this office?

In my tenure as a commissioner I have displayed leadership skills to move the community forward. I have a strong work ethic and a call to serve this community. I am committed to the time and energy that being mayor requires. Danville has a rich history that we can build on by practicing old traditions and forming new ones. We can bridge the gap between tradition and progress by remembering where we came from but always looking toward the future. Progress isnt about now, it isnt about us, its about tomorrows firsts. Danville has a rich history we can embrace by being the change our future needs.

What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

There are many pressing issues facing the citizens of Danville that we must continually address. These are all important but we cant accomplish anything until we all work together. Better communication with community leaders is key in effectively addressing concerns for Danville/Boyle citizens.

How would you address this issue in your elected office?

I will use my leadership abilities and experience to work with all local leaders to strengthen our community services and outreach, continue improvements to our Parks & Rec system, collaborate and communicate with other community leaders, build a better relationship between City of Danville, Perryville, Junction City and Boyle Fiscal Court, provide better access to information for citizens about important news and events in our community, design and implement effective growth and development plans.

Danville commissioners:

Jennie Hollon

I have enjoyed serving my first term as a commissioner and would be honored to work for EVERY citizen once again. Tim and I have raised our family here and love Danville. We currently run two businesses, the Nutrition Center and LineX of Danville. We have two daughters, ages 21 & 12.

Why are you the best candidate for this office?

As a 30-year resident of Danville, my only desire is to listen, work hard, and make sure the taxpayer has a good return on their investment. Our citizens ARE our investment! My daily involvement with citizens of all ages and backgrounds allows me to hear and see the communitys needs first-hand. I believe that I best represent a voice for families as well as small business owners. If you would appreciate a candidate that has a background in business management, customer service, health & wellness, and a strong entrepreneurial skill set, then Id humbly appreciate your vote.

What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

What I see is that Danville needs to PLAN for our FUTURE, and this will require change, collaboration, and teamwork. Planning for the future must focus on economic development, housing, and our workforce. Planning for future generations is about investing in our youth and early childhood education.

How would you address this issue in your elected office?

We must be united to work as a team with the City, County, volunteers, and State Reps, to best plan for our future. We must foster partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and businesses, to address future needs in the most efficient and cost effective manner. Economic Development will expand with a unified strategy, well defined goals, and a new approach requiring compromise. Early childhood development will be expanded through partnerships, rather taxpayer dollars. TIF districts will incentivize new housing and development. Grant writing will help pay for community park upgrades & trails.

Shawn Moore

I have been a resident of Danville for 51 years. A US Navy Veteran, I am currently employed as Director of Planning & Zoning & Floodplain Manager for the Mercer County Joint P&Z Commission. I am married to Jayne Moore who has worked at Webster Orthodontics for over 40 years.

Why are you the best candidate for this office?

As Director of P&Z for Harrodsburg & Mercer County, I am personally involved daily in local government activities. The unique nature of the job affords me the opportunity to work not only with local officials, but with officials at the state and federal levels. This allows me the ability to network with various people and agencies who can help provide solutions for the community. Trained in dispute resolution and mediation, I believe this gives me the capability to work with people of varying viewpoints and work together to provide solutions that will work for the benefit of the community.

What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

The most pressing issue facing Danville right now is the out of control spending combined with the level of debt the city is carrying. Loan payments the city makes are nearly $375,000 per month. With a budget exceeding $25M, its easy to understand why the tax rates in Danville are so high.

How would you address this issue in your elected office?

An immediate nonessential spending freeze would be a good start. Then, a detailed department by department review of the budget should be conducted to seek out the excesses. Those excess monies could then be redirected to reduce the current debt carried by the city. At a time when it appears we may face what could be a long-term recession, now is not the time to continue to spend and assuming new debt until we can get our house in order. Once completed, then a review of the current tax levels can be done to see if tax rates can be lowered to levels more in line with communities of our size.

Charles Singleton

Born and raised in Danville. My grandfather back in the 1920s raised seven children here. He was pleased with the city then as I am now. My dad, Clyde Singleton, sold real estate in Danville. He really loved his town. I have enjoyed growing up in this community and working for the city.

Why are you the best candidate for this office?

Because I am a home grown man. I lived here all my life. Ive seen what works and what doesnt work. I have many friends in the community and would love the opportunity to work and make Danville better.

What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

I think we need to focus on creating better streets and sidewalks to make Danville a safer place.

How would you address this issue in your elected office?

By fixing the potholes and uneven sidewalks. We have good city employees who have the knowledge to do this work. I know they do because I used to work with them.

Donna Peek

Ive lived in Danville all of my life. Im married to my husband Jeff and together we have 5 children and 8 grandchildren. I recently retired after 30 years with the City of Danville having worked my way up from Finance Clerk to Director of Human Resources and City Clerk.

Why are you the best candidate for this office?

In a word, experience. My time as City Clerk has given me a unique perspective on how local government, and more specifically our form of government, works. In addition to formal training, I have firsthand experience working with and alongside city managers, elected officials and community leaders. Experience has taught me a great deal about what works and doesnt work, how to work within the system, how to work together to get things done and most importantly, how to treat people. Ive dedicated my life to public service and want to continue serving our community as your city commissioner.

What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

In talking with voters, Ive heard a wide range of issues, all of them pressing to someone. However, the one thing they all seem to have in common is a need for a unified approach to resolve them. Building trust and beginning to work together again seems to be the most pressing of issues.

How would you address this issue in your elected office?

As commissioner, its my job to be engaged as well as engaging. As one of five on the Board of Commissioners, it is imperative I work with the other commissioners to get things done. As one part of a regional community, we must work with the other stakeholders if we are going to survive. I will work with the city manager to promote greater inclusiveness and exchange of information among our public and private agency neighbors and explore opportunities to partner together, rebuilding relationships and expanding our potential to address everyones pressing issues.

Rick Serres

Im a 38-year resident of Danville. Owner of Bluegrass Biomedical and IT Services. City commissioner from 2015 2020. Parks & Recreation Board 1990 2000. A member of the Trails alliance. Currently a board member on the Danville-Boyle County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Why are you the best candidate for this office?

Experience, desire and common sense decision making. Quality of life produces economic development.

What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

Employee fulfillment and retention.

How would you address this issue in your elected office?

Attitude changes about the jobs available. Free time activities availability and awareness. Education. Attraction of professional small businesses catering to the medical, engineering and tech savvy markets or similar clean industries.

Steve Southerland

I have been a Danville resident since 2006 and a regional resident most of my life. I am an Air Force veteran, was a Dept. of State contractor in Afghanistan and have owned small businesses. Over the last few years, I have revitalized multiple blighted properties in the city.

Why are you the best candidate for this office?

We need commissioners that will put the people first, help grow our community and improve the quality of life for all residents. Someone empathetic, who will listen and take action when necessary. As your commissioner, I will be financially conservative and respectful of taxpayer dollars. As a creative thinker who wants to make a difference, I look forward to the opportunity to serve the people of Danville.

What do you think is the most pressing issue affecting us in this election cycle?

Our workforce is probably our most pressing issue. This problem is multi-faceted, we have an addiction problem where at least 15% of available workers are unable to pass a drug test. We also have an aging workforce whose knowledge is disappearing quickly. Lastly, we have a housing shortage.

How would you address this issue in your elected office?

We need to support recovery programs and help reintroduce nonviolent offenders back into the workforce. Also, we need to bolster programs between the high school and BCTC to provide our younger generation a usable skillset. Housing can be addressed by developing both multi and single family homes. Danville is the only city in the area with a higher daytime population than nighttime, is that simply an issue of available housing?

Joe Lamkin

The rest is here:

Meet the Candidates: Danville mayor and commissioners - The Advocate-Messenger - Danville Advocate

OPINION

ByBrian Ronholm Director of Food Policy at Consumer Reports, andLiz Hitchcock Director at Safer Chemicals Healthy Families

The next time you order takeout at a favorite restaurant, there is a decent chance it will include a side order oftoxicforever chemicals. Thats because many popular chain restaurants wrap their food in packaging made with PFAS, a dangerous class of chemicals that have been linked to an increased risk for some cancers, lower birth weight and immune system suppression.

PFAS are sometimes called forever chemicals because they are resistant to breaking down naturally in the environment, and can remain in peoples bodies for years. In fact, a recent peer-reviewed study byToxicFreeFutureand the University of Washington found PFAS in every sample of breast-milk from fifty mothers in the Seattle area.

Unfortunately, PFAS from food wrappers contaminates water in the communities where it is produced, can seep into the food we eat, and pollute soil and water when packaging is disposed of in a landfill. While the packaging may be used once, the chemicals can last forever in the environment and make their way into our bodies.

Over the past few years,Toxic-FreeFutureconducted several studies on PFAS in food packaging and led a campaign to convince chain restaurants and grocery stores to stop using packaging made with PFAS that has won commitments from more thantwenty corporationsto phase out their use.

But we cant just depend on voluntary measures when it comes to protecting public health. Its time for Congress to take action by passing The Keep Food Containers Safe From PFAS Act, which would prohibit the intentional use of PFAS in food packaging.

Efforts to ban PFAS in food packaging have gained momentum in the wake of a newinvestigation by Consumer Reportsthat found measurable levels of PFAS in more than half of the food packages tested, including wrappers from fast food chains like McDonalds, Burger King, Chick-fil-A and Arbys. Even retailers that promote healthier foods, such as Trader Joes, Cava and Sweetgreen, had food packaging that contained troubling PFAS levels.

Of the 118 products Consumer Reports tested, almost a third (37) had PFAS levels above 20 parts per million (ppm), a limit set by Denmark to protect public health, while 22 products had levels surpassing 100 ppm, which would be banned under a new California law set to go into effect in 2023.Nathans Famous had the products with the two highest average readings 876 ppm and 618 ppm for paper bags used for sides. Other food wrappers with particularly high levels included cookie bags from Burger King (345.7 ppm), cookie bags from Arbys (457.5 ppm) and a sandwich wrapper at Chick-fil-A (553.5 ppm).

This follows three separate studies published byToxic-FreeFuturein 2018, 2019, and 2020 that found indications of PFAS in the packaging of McDonalds Big Mac, Burger Kings Whopper and in take-out containers at Whole Foods Market and Sweetgreen.

The good news is corporations and state governments are taking action. Since the Consumer Reports study was released, Nathans Famous and Chick-fil-A expressed publicly their commitment to phase out the use of PFAS in their food packaging. Also, after years of campaigning byToxic-FreeFuture, the corporation that owns Burger King, Tim Hortons and Popeyes announced their intention to phase out PFAS in their food wrappers at their 27,000 locations in more than 100 countries by 2025. They join twenty more major retailers including McDonalds, Starbucks, Taco Bell, Whole Foods, and Wendys that have also set timelines to phase out PFAS in food packaging.

So far, seven states have enacted laws that ban the intentional use of PFAS in food packaging, including California, Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington. Legislation also is pending in a number of other states.

The danger posed by PFAS has been known for more than 70 years. While described as forever chemicals, they also are called everywhere chemicals because they are used in hundreds of products to make them resistant to heat, water, oil and corrosion.

Despite the well known dangers of PFAS, there has not been enough done to curb its use. It is time for Congress to do what it can to eliminate PFAS in consumer products. Passing the Keep Food Containers Safe from PFAS Act would represent a significant step forward.

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It's time for Congress to ban toxic 'forever chemicals' from food packaging - Food Safety News

As a university administrator and leader, I often think deeply about my responsibilities and commitments to and in the academy. My actions, disposition, and proclivities have never waivered since graduate school. For decades, I have never waited for graduation, conferral of a degree, tenure, or any other formality to speak up and out about injustice, to become unapologetic, or to become an activist in research, teaching, or service. These past few months, I have been thinking more about what it means to be an unapologetic leader/administrator and how I can and should continue to move in these academic streets . As an administrator/leader, specifically during these last few years, I think deeply about how anyone can serve in a leadership role without framing their role in higher education around activism, social justice, and critical consciousness.

I argue that academic processes and machinations in the academy are antiquated and are not framed for anything or anyone to act or serve in a revolutionary capacity. This includes how we lead and how we serve. Because leading for change is so critical, I often revisit how leaders serve and lend support to the academic unit and how we shape the experiences and lives of newly minted assistant professors, students, institutions of higher education, and young people in their communities.

I am particularly concerned about young professionals who reside in academic spaces since we all know that these are the very people who will serve as the next generation of leaders and support systems for the human conditions. Truthfully, it sickens me to hear some of the stories about how new professionals, committed to the good fortune and success of the culture, have to move so "carefully" in these academic streets. In this piece, I viDr. Robin Hughessit the complexities, messiness, and sickness of the tenure process and how unapologetic, critically conscious activist leaders can move in these academic streets.

For years, we have all been privy to discussions, tweets, articles, op-eds, etc., that advise pre-tenure and tenured professors to "watch" what they say throughout their tenure clock. In general, the message is that you betta' be careful until you have earned tenure. The advice suggests that tenure track faculty actually "codeswitch" to navigate the tenure process successfully. . The implication is that this academic codeswitching sends a pledge of allegiance, a promise of collegiality, and an air of submission to those who might be voting on a case. The pre-tenured are expected to invest in the form of dispositional passing where faculty members move in and out of academic spaces by engaging in codeswitching.

Tenured faculty advise new professionals to edit their communication style. This sends a message to play well in the sandbox, no matter how much dirt is kicked. Codeswitching also evokes a strange change in voice inflectionsto fit in or "pass" (used to be referred to as talking "proper" back in the daywhich is also problematic). Ultimately, the subtext is to NOT place any pressure on or change the level of comfortability on anyone in the academic setting who might hold some perceived power. Do not offend or disrupt long-established organizations or the academic "normal and norms," which are frequently oppressive.There are many who walk this supposedly thin line and pass and switch in order to fit in until awarded tenure. They often claim after tenure is granted, I will speak up. In fact, they do suddenly become semi-fearless after 6 to 7 years or at least until they quiet down before going up for full.

To be clear, I describe "code-switching" in academic settings as audience-dependent. More, code-switching can become quite complex and cumbersome. In fact, it is a kind of forced dispositional passing, where faculty resort to dispositional switching depending on who might be seated at the proverbial "table ."

Passing or switching occurs in organizations and places beyond academic settings. For instance, I have also witnessed my twenty-somethings, the very ones who grew up in my house, talk about being careful and sparing others' feelings when broaching particular topics related to race and racism. They, too, talk(ed) about "code-switching" to fit in. Teaching my children to transgress took some time to intentionally move them into the disruptive, resistant, and unapologetic dispositions. The three still move in and out of the freedom of discourse and disposition, sometimes with trepidation, care, and sometimes relentlessly.I have constantly reminded them, be prepared for the consequences when you do roll up.

Nevertheless, no matter the context, there is a fear, discomfort, and stress intimately and intricately tied to the possibility of a threat of unforeseen retribution. In the case of the pre-tenured faculty, I argue that they are expected to accommodate Tom's incessant foolery throughout the process with little to no pushback. This academic normality can be mentally exhausting, culturally taxing, and perplexing, yet rarely stopped. In other contexts, again, the responses are similar. For instance, on the one hand, my children talked about the probable loss of friendships and positioning with friends and school relationships if and when they spoke up. Yet, on the other hand, when they code-switched, they complained about a loss of freedoms, not being heard, and feeling like they always had to change who they were to make others feel good. again, I remind them when you roll two-faced, it can be tricky deciding how many washcloths you need, and which face to wash first.

In the academy, the story is pretty similar to my children's experience; there is the perception that if one does not code-switch, there could be dire and grave consequences. Those consequences include an inability to gain perceived upward mobility, loss of tenure, and seats at the table, among other so-called benefits [ such as career advancements for oneself, white investments without considering ones own cultural capital and never considering benefits to the collective]. While I would like to remain hopeful that the tenure status will focus research, teaching, and service more on the human condition, world challenges, and my hope springs eternal for change, such has rarely been the case. Ultimately, while critically conscious and unapologetic leaders claim to be committed servants to the many needs, challenges, and changes that the world and humanity demand, I have witnessed a culture of social reproduction in the academy. And, what we have reproduced has little to do with how teaching, research, and service are all connected to affect change in the human condition, but a lot to do with ones own upward mobility and career trajectory.

Today, as I reflect on and critique my leadership, I have to ask, how do activist and unapologetic leaders move organizations in socially conscious ways? What should I/we be doing to support healthy and equitable organizational systems? How should I/we be leading--especially for those who claim to be scholar/ administrator activists and unapologeticdecades before it became a "thing," "cute," or "sexy." June 2020 sure seemed to start a trend. I find it offensive for so many reasons. As conscious administrators, we all know that the bigger picture affects change worldwide, NOT just a myopic focus on one's tiny discipline and career. We also know that our "fame" comfortably and succinctly resides in the ivory tower vis-a-vis conferences and journals read by a small number of individuals in the academic setting [higher ed fame]. My reality check? Compare the hundreds of millions who read and follow every move that the Kardashians and King James make to the hundreds and sometimes thousands who follow the work of us academics.

So what does all of this mean? What does or should an activist, unapologetic leader be doing?

The activist and unapologetic university administrator:

1. Serves as a primary role model and mentor in influencing change, equity, and racial justice through their work on campus and via work with external communities. In doing so, they are fearless and unapologeticALL of the time.As a repercussion, they are not always invited back to the party at all.

2. Moves with deliberate, intentional speed and action. They don't claim, "these things take time." Instead, they move quickly and consciously in the here and the now. They push back on the pushback.

3. Is fearless, disruptive, critically conscious, and walks the talkAll of the time. They have made actual changes on their campuses and act as support systems in the fight against institutionalized and structural racism. They take a seat at the table or lay the flatware for a new table to be set.

4. Simply does not code-switch. In fact, they view code-switching as a performative and selfish way to maintain and promote their own individualistic academic work-life and well-being. In fact, code-switching perpetuates institutionalized racism and white fragility.

5. They take what others would regard as "risks" because that is what you are supposed to do (risks need to be deconstructed).

6, They speak up from the proverbial table all of the time and work towards creating new tables. They view the traditional table as a space where protecting the property rights of structural racism is typically valued and never questioned or deconstructed.

7. For these leaders, academic growth is spurred by the human condition, love, and care for the culture, humanity, and young people. They are equally concerned for and committed to the potential for growth for a broad-reaching collective of people who have traditionally been marginalized, traumatized, victimized, and exploited.

The unapologetic goals are neither individualistic nor do they come without complication and complexities. However, they do not come without fearlessness. They do not cower and are not quiet. In other words, they speak up way before tenure, dissertation in hand, full professor, deanship, organizational leadership etc. etc. etc. They do not engage in disposition of situational and academic passing. Simply stated, they work from a framework of critical change and challenge how decisions are made within organizations purposefully built to perpetuate structural and institutionalized Tom Foolery and racism.

Dr. Robin Hughes is Dean of the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior and professor of Educational Leadership|College Student Personnel at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

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7 Characteristics of an Activist and Unapologetic Leader: Aint No Code-switching or Dispositional Passing Involved - Diverse: Issues in Higher...

Amazon's Jeff Bezos, Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, and other donors are committing $50 million to help fix the childcare crisis in New York City.

And the city government ismatching the donation with $50 million of its own.

The Bezos Family Foundation, Ohanian, and other donors announced their commitment to Robin Hood, a charity that works to alleviate problems caused by poverty in New York City, at a benefit held this week. The big name donations are just a drop in the $7 billion bucket that the state has proposed to contribute to childcare this year.

The fund is a public-private partnership, a collaboration between the government agency and a private-sector company that can be used to bankroll projects. This type of relationship has existed for years.

In response to Insider's request for comment, Elyse Rowe, Director of Communications at the Bezos Family Foundation, noted that the organization has previously supported Robin Hood, including through an $11 million grant toward Robin Hood's Fund for Early Learning in 2017.

Alexis Ohanian and the New York City mayor's office did not immediately respond to Insider's request for comment.

Charity isn't sustainable unless it's paired with solid public investment, experts say

The money comes at a time when the pandemic made a childcare crisis in New York City and across the country even worse. Between 2014 and 2019, the number of providers in New York state dropped by 3,300, according to The Times Union.In several parts of the city, there is only one child care spot available for every five infants, according to state data.

It's holding many parents back from re-entering the labor force after the pandemic exodus. Many quit in search of higher pay, remote work, and safer working conditions, but a lot of parents left their jobs to take care of their kids.

Which means this fresh $100 million will go far to address those problems. But relying on the private sector to fix social problems may be unsustainable in the long run, even if its contributions are immediately useful.

"In general, it is a mistake to rely on private interests who provide these sorts of public goods," Pat Garofalo, the director of state and local policy at the left-leaning American Economic Liberties Project told Insider. "That's not how you want to provide early childcare education, which history shows should be in the realm of the public."

That tracks with a 2021 report by New York State Senator Jabari Brisport's office and the Alliance for Quality Education which found that a history of "treating and funding child care as a private service rather than vital public infrastructure has left the system on the verge of collapse."

The report went on to say that "piecemeal approaches and temporary solutions have kept New York's child care system on life support, many child care centers have already been forced to close, and parents are struggling to access the child care they need."

After all, Jayce Farmer, a public policy professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, told Insider that wealthy private donors "aren't really contractually committed to making long term and permanent funding commitments." Government investments, on the other hand, provide "a good chance that that's a sustainable funding choice."

Garofalo has another idea for getting the ultrawealthy to contribute to public coffers on a regular basis. He says that taxing companies like Amazon directly, as well as the people who run them, is a more effective way of ensuring that services like childcare programs are funded. He also suggested that forgoing this tax income means communities are losing out on money they are entitled to.

"The public has, to a very large extent, helped Amazon build its business," Garofalo said. "Subsidies helped Jeff Bezos get his riches, a tiny fraction of which he puts into public programs."

Amazon has won more than $4.18 billion in government subsidies throughout the United States since 2012, a study published this year by UNI Global Union, a union federation for the skills and service sectors, found.

For now though, Jason Cone, chief public policy officer at Robin Hood, told Insider that public-private partnerships are "fertile ground" to take risks on "unproven interventions that the government isn't ready to take."

"Philanthropy has to be very intentional, and I think Robin Hood is very intentional," he said. "Our goal is not to replace government, it's to make the best business case for societal investments. Public-private partnerships are really necessary, and I don't think we can solve these problems by just doing one or the other."

Editor's note: This article has been updated to clarify that Alexis Ohanian and the Bezos Family Foundation are donating a total of $35 million to the fund, not $50 million. The difference was provided by "other donors."

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Jeff Bezos and Alexis Ohanian, are pouring $35 million into NYC's childcare crisis - Business Insider Africa