Why I am Running Hello, I am school Board Member Joanne Gilbert. I want to talk with you openly and honestly about several issues affecting our lives that include retirement protection, affordable healthcare, and education. I have lived in the Inland Empire for more than 20 years and I have watched the Inland Empire change from orange groves to large houses, shopping centers, and industrial complexes. Our communities are more diverse than ever, our schools are bursting at the seams from overcrowding, and our freeways cannot keep up with our growth. We find ourselves living and working in one of the fastest growing regions in the state and nation. Although we are one of the most important regions, I am disappointed to say that Congressman Joe Baca’s quality of representation does not match the quality of life we have worked so hard for and deserve. As residents and tax payers, we are crying out for change in Washington. We need a new president and we need someone new to represent us in Congress. This is why I, Joanne Gilbert am announcing my candidacy today to represent you in the 43rd Congressional District because I can and will represent all of us. Joe Baca has done nothing but attempt to create a family dynasty by running his family for public office while we are challenged with poor health care, weak retirement security, and a lack of quality livable wage jobs that allow our work to be closer to home. For more than eight years “Working” Joe Baca has shown that the only work he has done is to promote and enrich himself, his family and a chosen few. But working doesn’t matter, unless it’s working for all. It is time for a change. We need someone who works for us. As residents of the Inland Empire, we must demand more. We need someone who is going to be a champion for our children, our communities and the overall welfare of our citizenry. Join with me as many others have. Elect someone that will represent all of us, not a chosen few. As a two term school board president and educator for more than thirty years, I promise that I will represent us all and fight for the real issues we face everyday. Thank you and vote for Joanne Gilbert for Congress in June 2008