Dear Editor:
While canvassing for support I was able to engage voters and ask pertinent questions with regard to their voting habits, the psychology of their decision-making process and their needs and concerns as it relates to the prosperity, or lack thereof, of the district. Most voters told me they wanted “change”. The thing is, their mouths proclaimed they wanted “change” but their actions at the polls told a different story.
Some were gracious enough to sign my petition because I am a democrat, or because I am African American. I told them, “…thanks, but I would rather you vote for me because I was the best candidate. In fact, the incumbent is African American as well so that is not a good reason to vote for me.” Some, matter-of-factly, told me they would not vote for me because they didn’t know me. I asked, “…what if I was more prepared than the incumbent? What if my ideas could create the kinds of change that they desperately desired?” They said, “We still wouldn’t vote for you because we don’t know you.”
We send the wrong message to Washington when we say things like – “I don’t know him”, I voted for him because he was black or white”, “I like the way he dresses”, “he is such a likable person”, or the worst of all, “I am voting for him because I voted for his dad”. None of these are good reasons to vote for someone. In fact, it makes us look ill-equipped to elect our very own representatives.
1. Have homicides decreased on his watch?
2. If you are unemployed, how long have you been unemployed?
3. Has he created one job for you or anyone in your household?
4. Have you seen him since he has been in office; other than at a voter registration drive to secure your vote?
5. Has he voted to increase the minimum wage?
6. Has he voted to increase any salary other than his salary and the salaries of his colleagues?
Question number 6 is particularly critical because, in essence, his voting to increase his salary but refusing to vote to increase the minimum wage says that the minimum wage is not good enough for him but it is good enough for you and your household. In other words, he doesn’t care if you can pay your bills just as long as he can pay his
I want your vote because I deserve your vote. I promise you this, if elected, I will not take one dime until the people of this district determine that I deserve to be paid for my service to the district. I will give 100 percent of my salary to the citizens of this district. I ask that you ask Donald Payne Jr., and others in Congress, to take that pledge.
Please visit my website and show your support. If you can make a contribution that would be great. : www.FraserForCongress.com
Aaron Fraser
“Deeds, not words. Action, not Rhetoric”