Friday, December 16, 2011

“Death of a Nation”: The Future of Occupy

16 December 2011

By: Mitchell Warren
Subversify


Alex Mendoza of The Socialist Party USA ticket says that apparent offers for new jobs to unemployed individuals are deceptive. As an example he cites the actions of governor and presidential candidate Rick Perry. '[He] has enacted economic policies which bring in a lot of new jobs, but they’re not jobs to write home about. We have good jobs being replaced by minimum wage jobs so businesses get more work for less cost and people aren’t technically unemployed anymore.' Stewart Alexander of the same ticket adds, 'Businesses are hiring desperate workers at low wages to sell merchandise…This is often part time work while it lasts.' Supporting the system through governmentally-approved avenues could result in a distraction from true Occupy goals...."

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Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Check out these candidates

14 December 2011

By: Collin McRann
The Douglas Budget (Douglas, WY)


"Running under the Democratic Socialist ticket [sic]* is Stewart Alexander. He lives in California and has run for mayor of Los Angeles as well as many other offices. Of course, he has has lost them all. His positions? Alexander supports single payer health care and guaranteed income, as well as many other social services. He is also the chairperson of the Socialist Party of California, but I doubt he will gain much of an audience in Wyoming...."



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*sic added by SP Campaign Clearinghouse.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Message to Supporters- I Love You All!

A Post-Election statement by Brandon Collins, 2011 Socialist Party Candidate for Charlottesville City Council (Virgina)

13 December 2011


Dear friends,

It has been a month since the election, and having gotten my ducks back in a row, and having caught my breath I have found the time to send along some thoughts and thanks to all who supported the campaign.

Thank you all for all of the support, the votes, the input, and the energy I have received throughout this city council campaign. I am deeply encouraged that so many people would cast a vote for someone like me, given the reality of Charlottesville’s political landscape. My belief is that there is likely even more support for many of the platform items I have presented....

Read more

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Stewart Alexander Calls for an End to Attacks on Occupy Movement

Stewart Alexander
2012 Socialist Party Presidential Candidate
15 November 2011


Los Angeles, CA – Socialist Party USA Presidential Candidate, Stewart Alexander opposes the recent assault on the Occupy movement in cities across the United States. He draws attention to the fact that it was largely the result of the decisions of elected Democrats. Freedom of expression is central to democracy and he believes that we must strengthen our commitment to civil liberties...

“Remember well who is behind these assaults on you,” urges Stewart Alexander, presidential nominee for the Socialist Party USA. “These are the men and women who are bought and sold like commodities by corporations. These are not just Republican officials, but also the Democratic Party that are assaulting your rights to free speech. Your calls for social and economic justice do not sit well with their owners. When the Democrats try to sweet talk you into believing they support the 99%: forget their words and remember their actions....”


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Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Election Results and Moving Forward

A Post-Election statement by Pat Noble, Socialist Party candidate for Monmouth County Freeholder (New Jersey)

08 November 2011


Hello everyone!

After seven months of campaigning for Monmouth County Freeholder, I am truly honored to say that, according to the unofficial results and with 99.78% reporting, 1,389 people voted for me today.

The implications of this are astounding. Despite the county being considered a Republican stronghold in New Jersey, almost 1,400 people said yes to socialism. That is beyond great, and I am proud to have helped rally that many people. I was not elected today, but this was a monumental victory nonetheless....

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Monday, November 7, 2011

City of Detroit - Vote Tues. Nov. 8th - Reject the Proposed City Charter Revisions
– Vote NO on Proposal C!

07 November 2011

A position statement by the Detroit Socialist Party local on 2011 City of Detroit Ballot Proposal C

The Detroit Socialist Party calls upon all city voters to cast a NO vote in the citywide municipal referendum being held on November 8, 2011 on approval or rejection of the Detroit City Charter amendments proposed by the City Charter Revision Commission.

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Friday, November 4, 2011

Candidates Vie for Monmouth Freeholder Seats

04 November 2011

By: Jacklyn Corley
The Freehold Patch (New Jersey)


"The November election marks Red Bank resident Patrick Noble's first run for office as well as his first opportunity to cast a general election ballot. The 18-year-old is secretary of the Socialist Party of New Jersey and co-founded the Socialist Party of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Noble graduated from the Monmouth County Academy of Allied Health and Science in June.

'I'm running to provide a Socialist alternative to the people of Monmouth County. I think that our electoral system is flawed in all levels of government. I'm running to give voters an alternative and different ideas that they won't find represented in other candidates,' Noble said...."


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PHAR Questionnaire- Public Housing Rights!

A statement by Brandon Collins, Socialist Party Candidate for Charlottesville City Council (Virgina)

04 November 2011


Here are my responses to the Public Housing Association of Residents Questionnaire.

I firmly believe that this is one of the most important community groups in Charlottesville and I am happy and proud to say that I have been able to spend a lot of time in public housing neighborhoods throughout the campaign, and will continue to remain involved well beyond November 8th....

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Thursday, November 3, 2011

Socialist Party Presidential Candidate Stewart Alexander Says Obama Represents the One Percent

Stewart Alexander
Socialist Party 2012 Presidential Candidate
For Immediate Release
03 November 2011


Los Angeles, CA – Socialist Party USA candidate for President, Stewart Alexander, claims that Barack Obama and the Democratic Party are not working in the interest of the working class. He believes they are working for the interests of the top 1% of Americans and corporations at the expense of the bottom 99%. Furthermore, he calls for the Occupy movement, and Americans in general, to come to terms with this and seek alternative candidates...

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Socialist Party USA: A Dispatch from the Convention

03 November 2011

By: Edwin Laing
The Santa Barbara Independent (California)


"The meeting was mainly for housekeeping purposes: refresh our party's vision, elect our party officers, fine tune our structure.But it was also to name our top federal candidates, a longstanding Socialist Party practice to acquaint people with socialist ideas.A working people's slate emerged: Stewart Alexander of California for President of the United States, Alex Mendoza of Texas for Vice President of the United States...."


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Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Video! Please Share!

A statement by Brandon Collins, Socialist Party Candidate for Charlottesville City Council (Virgina)

1 November 2011


Here we go folks, a short video explaining my overall approach to local politics- please feel free to share this everyone you know!...

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Recap on the Debates

A statement by Pat Noble, Socialist Party candidate for Monmouth County Freeholder (New Jersey)

29 October 2011


Now that the three scheduled debates are over, I thought it would be a good idea to give a brief summary on each debate, as well as my opinions on how they went...


Read more

Friday, October 28, 2011

Freeholder Candidates Debate Economics, Energy and Ethics

28 October 2011

By: Jacklyn Corley
The Freehold Patch (New Jersey)


"Monmouth County freeholder candidates fielded questions on job creation, renewable energy and ethics during a debate sponsored by the League of Women Voters (LWV) Wednesday night. Freeholder Lillian Burry, R; Freeholder Amy Mallet, D; Gary Rich, R; William Shea, D; and Patrick Noble, I, participated in the forum held at Monmouth County Library Headquarters in Manalapan. Independent candidate Tom Markowski did not attend...."

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Thursday, October 27, 2011

Something Must Be Done- Cville’s Affordable Housing Crisis

A statement by Brandon Collins, Socialist Party Candidate for Charlottesville City Council (Virgina)

27 October 2011


The following is a statement, or a speech rather at a press conference on Oct. 27th in the Westhaven neighborhood.

Friends- something must be done about our housing crisis, and make no mistake it is a crisis....

Read more

Monday, October 24, 2011

Responses to National Organization for Women Questionnaire

A statement by Brandon Collins, Socialist Party Candidate for Charlottesville City Council (Virgina)

24 October 2011


Here are my responses to the Charlottesville Chapter of the National Organization for Women survey of candidates. Most of the focus is on statewide issues, which makes it harder to articulate a position, but have done my best....

Read more

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

County Freeholder board line-up at stake

19 October 2011

By: Joseph Sapia
The Asbury Park Press (New Jersey)


"With two seats available on the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders in the Nov. 8 general election, a variety of things could happen:

Republicans winding up with all five seats. Democrats can pick away to get two seats, meaning motions can be easily seconded. Or an independent and Socialist may sneak in..."

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Group prepares to Occupy Charlottesville

19 October 2011

By: Ted Strong
The Daily Progress (Charlottesville, VA)


"A number of participants at the Charlottesville meeting had taken part in occupations elsewhere; New York and Washington were mentioned. Among those at the event was Brandon Collins, a socialist running for Charlottesville City Council...."

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Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Candidates Night set for Oct. 27 in Lincroft

October 18, 2011

The Holmdel Independent (New Jersey)


"The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders candidates are Thomas Markowski (independent), Patrick Noble (Socialist Party USA), Gary Rich (Republican) and William Shea (Democrat)...."

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Sunday, October 16, 2011

Socialist Party Taps Stewart Alexander for President

16 October 2011

By: Darcy Richardson
Uncovered Politics; Independent Political Report


"Delegates to the Socialist Party USA national convention in Los Angeles turned to their 2008 vice-presidential nominee yesterday to head the party's ticket in the 2012 presidential sweepstakes. In nominating Stewart A. Alexander, an early frontrunner for the party's top spot, the delegates turned back a late but spirited challenge from sociology professor Jerry Levy, a longtime activist in Vermont's Liberty Union Party...."

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Socialist Party Chooses National Ticket

October 16, 2011

By: Richard Winger
Ballot Access News


"On October 16, the Socialist Party, meeting in national convention in Los Angeles, chose Stewart Alexander for President, and Alejandro Mendoza for Vice-President...."

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Friday, October 14, 2011

Socialist Party Convention Meets to Nominate U.S. Presidential Ticket

14 October 2011

By: Austin Cassidy
Uncovered Politics


"The Socialist Party USA is meeting this weekend at the Los Angeles International Airport Holiday Inn. Delegates from around the country will be gathering to review the party's platform and choose candidates for President and Vice-President for the 2012 election...."

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Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Monmouth hopefuls talk politics

12 October 2011

By: Joseph Sapia
The Asbury Park Press (New Jersey)


"This year's race for two seats on the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders is an odd brew - an incumbent Republican from the majority, an incumbent Democrat in the minority, their two running mates, plus an independent and a Socialist...."


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Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Where I Stand - links and more

A statement by Brandon Collins, Socialist Party Candidate for Charlottesville City Council (Virgina)

11 October 2011

People all over the country are in the streets and demanding a better world that places human needs over corporate greed. I wholeheartedly endorse the #occupy movement, and have participated, and will continue to participate. While I certainly agree that the true path to social transformation is through organizing to get the things we want, I am still committed to engaging the electoral process… to win!...

Read more

Friday, October 7, 2011

Charlottesville Tomorrow Interview with Brandon Collins (Audio and Transcript)

07 October 2011

Charlottesville Tomorrow (Virginia)

On October, the Charlottesville Tomorrow news publication interviewed SP Charlottesville, VA City Council candidate Brandon Collins. Listen to the podcast here or read the transcript here.

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

City council candidates wade into area's race issues

05 October 2011

By: Graham Moomaw
The Daily Progress (Charlottesville, VA)


"Independents Scott Bandy and Brandon Collins were asked how the city could better engage its growing Hispanic population .... Collins, a restaurant worker and self-described socialist, said engaging Hispanics has been a big part of his activism locally and around the state, and suggested the city should do more to make sure Hispanic residents don't feel like 'outsiders.' 'I think if we can make Charlottesville a place where all documented and undocumented immigrants feel comfortable, that's going to go a long way toward their feeling included in our society,' Collins said...."

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Saturday, October 1, 2011

Council candidates split over local jobs/income report

01 October 2011

By: Graham Moomaw
The Daily Progress (Charlottesville, VA)


"Independent Brandon Collins, a self-described socialist candidate, had a different reaction, saying he was 'puzzled' by the study's release and questioned what the authors were trying to achieve.... Collins pointed specifically to calls to modify the city's zoning and planning rules to allow light manufacturing facilities in poor neighborhoods.

'They're not actually talking about human beings; what they're talking about is using it as a reason to expand business,' Collins said. 'The main thing is we shouldn't let the Chamber of Commerce use poverty as an excuse for rich people to make more money.

' Collins has called for the creation of a downtown jobs center that would offer guaranteed employment to every city resident who wanted a job...."

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Letter to the Daily Progress- regarding Chamber of Commerce and Poverty

A statement by Brandon Collins, Socialist Party Candidate for Charlottesville City Council (Virgina)

01 October 2011


I have sent this to the Daily Progress in response to their recent article on the Greater Charlottesville Area Development Corporation report on poverty in Charlottesville.

I could have written pages on how ridiculous the proposal made by the Chamber of Commerce is, but was forced to express a thought or two in only 350 words....

Read more

Monday, September 26, 2011

Actual Socialists Substantially More Socialist Than Allegedly Socialist President

26 September 2011

By Paul Waldman
The American Prospect


"Via Kevin Drum, this poll from Winthrop University shows, among other things, that a full 74.7 percent of South Carolina Republicans think the term 'socialist' describes Barack Obama well or very well (in addition, almost 30 percent believe he's a Muslim, and 36 percent think he was probably or definitely born in another country). So just out of curiosity, I shuffled over to the website of the Socialist Party USA to see how Obama-esque they are these days. The answer? Not much...."

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Friday, September 23, 2011

Audio & Video of Charlottesville City Council candidate forum

September 23, 2011

Charlottesville Tomorrow

Socialist Party candidate Brandon Collins participated in a Charlottesville City Council candidates forum, jointly sponsored by the Charlottesville Tomorrow and Daily Progress newspapers on September 20, 2011.


Click Here to View/Listen to the Forum Recording
.

Thursday, September 22, 2011

SP City Council Candidate Interviewed on Charlottesville (106.1FM) Morning Show

22 September 2011

WCNR 106.1FM
(Charlottesville, VA)


SP City Council candidate Brandon Collins was jointly interviewed, together with Charlottesville VA Mayor Dave Norris, on 106.1FM - "The Corner's" Brad Savage Morning Show on Thursday September 22nd. Click here to listen to podcast.

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Independent Paul Long withdraws from race for City Council

22 September 2011

By: Brian Wheeler
Charlottesville Tomorrow


"Long was joined at his announcement by fellow independent candidates Collins and Williams, whom he endorsed.

'This current local election is just as important as the 2008 election for President,' said Long. 'All it takes us is 5 minutes to go into the voting booth to vote for a change in government and to get rid of the 'Democratic machine' here in Charlottesville.'

'[Collins] shares my passion for the homeless, on economic issues and also for public transit,' Long said. 'There are differences -- he goes a bit further than I would -- I mean he is active in the Socialist Party, but having said that, a lot of what he says I agree with and I think he would be good for Charlottesville....'"


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Long Endorses Collins - here's why

A statement by Brandon Collins, Socialist Party Candidate for Charlottesville City Council (Virgina)

22 September 2011


I am honored to gain the endorsement of Paul Long. Paul and I have consistently shared similar views on a variety of subjects. I admire Paul’s attention to the homeless, an end to the drug war, and the belief that public transportation can and should be greatly expanded. We have been somewhat complimentary to one another while campaigning, with his exit from the race I vow to keep up the fight for social justice and to vigorously include some of his proposals in my platform- namely the call for a regional transit authority, an end to Charlottesville’s participation in the drug war, and the immediate need for a homeless shelter to be built...

Read more

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Six Candidates for Council Seats Square Off

21 September 2011

1070 WINA Newsradio


"Six of the City Council hopefuls squared off in a Tuesday night candidates debate. The participants were Democrats Satyendra Huja (pictured left), Kathy Galvin (pictured third from left) and DeDe Smith (pictured second from right), along with Independents Bob Fenwick (pictured third from right), Brandon Collins (pictured second from left) and Andrew Williams (pictured right). They sparred over roads, water, reconfiguration of the city schools, and the role of the City Police. The debate was sponsored by Charlottesville Tomorrow and the Daily Progress."


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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Council candidate forum set for Tuesday night

20 September 2011

By: Sean Tubbs
Charlottesville Tomorrow


"The Daily Progress and Charlottesville Tomorrow are co-hosting a candidate forum tonight for the eight men and women running for three seats on the Charlottesville City Council.

The event will be held from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at the Burley Middle School auditorium on Rose Hill Drive. Doors open at 6:00 pm.

Seven of the eight candidates on the ballot have agreed to appear at the forum. They are socialist Brandon Collins, dredging activist Bob Fenwick, homeless advocate Paul Long, city school board member Kathleen Galvin, incumbent councilor Satyendra Huja, former school board member Dede Smith, and State Farm employee Andrew Williams...."

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Lies, Money, Galvin, Huja, Nestle, Monticello Business Alliance and Our Water

A statement by Brandon Collins, Socialist Party Candidate for Charlottesville City Council (Virgina)

20 September 2011


This subject has taken up so much interest during the campaign that I feel compelled to address it once again. The decisions being made about the water supply suggest that big moneyed interests are more important to some of the candidates than the needs of people in our town....


Read more

Sunday, September 11, 2011

A 'people's' candidate: First Socialist Party member runs for City Council

11 September 2011

By: Ana Mir
Cavalier Daily (University of Virginia)


"Brandon Collins wasn't afraid to touch a politically controversial subject Monday ? providing jobs to all City residents and working toward guaranteed employment. But the City Council candidate, whose push for more jobs struck a nerve with other City politicians, is used to being an outsider - he is the first Socialist Party member to run for this position...."


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Thursday, September 8, 2011

The Week in Review

08 September 2011

By: Hook Staff
The Hook (Charlottesville, VA weekly)


"Most socialistic: City Council candidate Brandon Collins calls for the city to provide jobs at a living wage to anyone who wants one. Collins is running as an independent and is a member of the Socialist Party...."

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Monday, September 5, 2011

Council candidate calls for jobs for all in city who want one

05 September 2011

By: Sharon C. Fitzgerald
The Daily Progress (Charlottesville, VA)


"A member of the Socialist Party, Collins said the city should be required to give a job to every resident who wants to work and pay them an hourly wage of at least $12.01 an hour....

'I am focused on labor and the needs of the many disadvantaged people in this town,' Collins said. 'I have lived in Charlottesville my entire life. I know what it is to work for less than a living wage, to rely on public transportation, to need assistance. I am the only candidate who demands the elimination, rather than the alleviation, of poverty, unemployment and ecological degradation....'"

Read More
05 September 2011

By: Frankie Jupiter
Newsplex (Charlottesville, VA)


"Monday, Brandon Collins unveiled his plan to create more jobs in Charlottesville. The Charlottesville City Council candidate addressed a group of people outside of the Transit Center on the downtown mall in Charlottesville...."

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Labor Day Statement- We need Jobs and Better Wages!

A statement by Brandon Collins, Socialist Party Candidate for Charlottesville City Council (Virgina)

5 September 2011


Here are my prepared remarks for a press conference given Labor Day Sept. 5, 2011-

The spirit and meaning of Labor Day was lost a long time ago. Rather than having a day to relax, or a day to celebrate their victories, a great many workers in our city instead are told to go to work just like any other day. Only today we have to walk or take a cab because the buses aren’t running...

Read more

Monday, August 29, 2011

Four independents weigh in at Tea Party council candidate forum

29 August 2011

By: Sean Tubbs
Charlottesville Tomorrow


"Participating in the event were Scott Bandy, Brandon Collins, Bob Fenwick and Paul Long. Absent were independent Andrew Williams, and Democrats Kathy Galvin, Satyendra Huja and Dede Smith....."

Read More and Listen to the Recorded Forum Podcast.

Thursday, August 25, 2011

Independent council candidates voice views at tea party forum

25 August 2011

By: Graham Moomaw
The Daily Progress (Charlottesville, VA)


"Collins, a self-described socialist running a campaign focused on poverty and the environment, seemed to be the favorite target when it came time for audience questions.

In the first question, and in several follow-ups, Collins was asked to share his views on illegal immigration.

Collins said immigration was one of the issues the tea party is most likely to disagree with on him because he's done "hard organizing" for immigrants' rights.

'My view is that these are human beings. They have children here. They've come here to have a better life,' Collins said. 'Locking people up and deporting them for having a DUI is unacceptable. We don't treat any other human being that way....'"

Read More

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Independents battle Democrats, each other for City Council

24 August 2011

By: Graham Moomaw
The Daily Progress (Charlottesville, VA) (link)


"Collins, a 38-year-old musician, restaurant worker and personal care attendant, doesn't beat around the bush about where he falls on the political spectrum. "I am not shying away from the fact that I'm a socialist,' Collins said. 'And I think that's brought me in a lot more support than I anticipated.' Collins favors a 'comprehensive approach' to poverty and the environment, as well as an expansion of public transportation. At candidate forums, he's suggested that every city resident be offered guaranteed employment. During discussions of the water plan, Collins has said that no resident should have their water turned off due to an inability to pay the bills...."

http://www2.dailyprogress.com/news/2011/aug/24/independents-battle-democrats-each-other-city-coun-ar-1260272/

Sunday, August 21, 2011

A Voice for Social Justice Still Needed- My Response to the Democratic Party Nominations

A statement by Brandon Collins, Socialist Party Candidate for Charlottesville City Council (Virgina)

21 August 2011


Here are my responses to a questionnaire given by the Daily Progress to only the Democratic Party candidates. If they had bothered to ask everybody here is what I would have answered:...


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Wednesday, August 17, 2011

My Answers to Daily Progress Questionnaire (if they had bothered to ask)

A statement by Brandon Collins, Socialist Party Candidate for Charlottesville City Council (Virgina)

17 August 2010


Here are my responses to a questionnaire given by the Daily Progress to only the Democratic Party candidates. If they had bothered to ask everybody here is what I would have answered:...


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Monday, August 15, 2011

Video and Audio of Senior Statesmen City Council Candidates Forum

15 August 2011

The Daily Progress (Charlottesville, VA)


Socialist Party candidate Brandon Council participated in the Charlottesville, VA Senior Statesmen City Council Candidates Forum on August 10, 2011...

iew/Listen to the Forum Recording.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

City Council candidate: Stop work on Meadow Creek Parkway

28 July 2011

By: Daily Progress Staff Reports
The Daily Progress (Charlottesville, VA)


"Charlottesville City Council candidate Brandon Collins called Thursday for the immediate disclosure of the state's new plans for the Meadow Creek Parkway and insisted that construction be delayed until after this year's election.

Collins, who describes himself as a socialist candidate, said no construction should begin in McIntire Park until any new plans are available for review by the public and the council.

'VDOT's sudden change of location for the McIntire Road Extended is an effort to avoid a court issued injunction and suggests that the plans for the Meadow Creek Parkway in its entirety, including McIntire Road Extended and the Interchange at the 250 Bypass, is in violation of U.S. environmental law,' Collins said in a statement...."

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Statement on new plans for McIntire Road Extended

A statement by Brandon Collins, Socialist Party Candidate for Charlottesville City Council (Virgina)

28 July 2011


I wholeheartedly stand with the Coalition to Preserve McIntire Park in their call for immediate disclosure of VDOT’s new plans for the McIntire Road Extended project and the interchange at the 250 by-pass.

I further assert that no construction should begin in McIntire Park until new plans are available for public review, that Charlottesville City Council should carefully review the plans, and that ample public input including public hearings be included in such a review...

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Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Figure it Out Fast- Quick Links, Short Answers

A statement by Brandon Collins, Socialist Party Candidate for Charlottesville City Council (Virgina)

20 July 2011


Thought I would take a moment to point out some things in easy to reach manner so folks won’t have to dig around too much on the site to figure out where I stand on certain issues. Have posted some thoughts and quick answers as well.

Read More

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Socialist Freeholder Candidate Backs Community Garden

16 July 2011

By: Edward Van Embden
Redbank-Shrewsbury Patch (Redbank-Shrewsbury, NJ)


"It's official: socialists support fresh fruits and vegetables.

Pat Noble, an 18-year-old Red Bank resident and member of the Socialist Party USA running for election onto the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders, has endorsed the efforts of volunteers who hope to develop a community garden on a vacant lot along the Navesink River....

Noble's support of the community gardeners came following a Socialist Part of Monmouth and Ocean Counties meeting in June where Cindy Burnham, a supporter of the community garden, handed out copies of a garden proposal and spoke about the project."

Read More

Friday, July 8, 2011

Oh the Water!

A statement by Brandon Collins, Socialist Party Candidate for Charlottesville City Council (Virgina)

08 July 2011

Big news for all concerning the water supply plan!!!
The new demand analysis study came out Wednesday, and pretty much confirms what a lot of us had been assuming- water use is down, and is projected to remain down for a long time to come...


Read More

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Housing- Lets Get Serious!

A statement by Brandon Collins, Socialist Party Candidate for Charlottesville City Council (Virgina)

06 July 2011


Every person has the right to live in safe home that they can afford. In Charlottesville, too many people pay way too much to rent their own homes, too many are too far behind in their rent payments. Too many people cannot afford to rent a home at all, too many people are on waiting lists for public housing, too many people are on waiting lists for section 8 housing. Too few people are able to own their own homes...

Read More

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Socialist Party of Michigan Set to Begin Statewide Ballot Access Petition Drive

A statement by the Socialist Party of Michigan

31 May 2011


Beginning on Saturday May 28th, 2011, the Socialist Party will be conducting a statewide petition signature drive to finally return the Socialist Party’s long displaced party column and vignette to its rightful space on the Michigan ballot, and to restore the right of all Michigan voters to cast their votes for a socialist alternative at the ballot box...


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Friday, May 27, 2011

Guaranteed Employment in Charlottesville!

A statement by Brandon Collins, Socialist Party Candidate for Charlottesville City Council (Virgina)

27 May 2011


Imagine a world where — instead of unemployment, under-employment, and poverty; instead of wages so low that people can’t afford to live where they work; and instead of 60-hour work weeks — everybody who wanted to work had a decent job, a living wage, prosperity, a 30-40 work week, and extra leisure time...


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Workers of the World, Please See Our Web Site

27 May 2011

Joseph Berger
The New York Times


"The Socialists sometimes do have candidates who run in states where the rules for getting on the ballot are not too onerous; Greg Pason, the national secretary, ran for governor of New Jersey in 2009..."

Read More

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Changing city council may tip water plan

07 May 2011

By: Graham Moomaw
The Daily Progress (Charlottesville, VA)


"In 2006, both the City Council and the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors approved a $142 million plan to ensure an adequate water supply to the area for the next 50 years by building a concrete dam at the Ragged Mountain Reservoir that would raise its pool by 45 feet. A bloc of city residents insisted that dredging the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir and making incremental improvements to existing infrastructure would accomplish that goal without the need for a costly new dam. The roiling controversy came to a head early this year when, in a set of split votes, the council approved a plan for an earthen dam that would raise the existing reservoir by 30 feet. Construction on the new dam could begin as early as mid-October, but the political battle over the issue doesn't appear to be going away anytime soon. Self-described Socialist Party candidate Brandon Collins, running as an independent, lists his position as 'Dredge the South Fork Rivanna Reservoir now, don't dam' on his campaign website...."

Click Here to View/Listen to the Forum Recording

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

WINA Newsradio Interview with 2011 SP Charlottesville City Council Candidate Brandon Collins (Audio)

03 May 2011

1070AM WINA Newsradio (Charlottesville, VA)


Socialist Party Candidate Brandon Collins for was interviewed on WINA Newsradio's "The Schilling Show" about his 2011 campaign for the Charlottesville City Council. Fast forward to the 20 minutes point to hear the interview."

Click Here to Listen to the Podcast

Monday, May 2, 2011

Socialist Party Monmouth County, NJ Freeholder Candidate Interviewed on Underground Progressive Radio (Audio)

02 May 2011

Underground Progressive Radio, 530AM (Brick, NJ)


To play to the podcast recording, click on the fourth listed episode within the podcast player, titled "The Local Burner: Interview with Monmouth/Ocean Socialist Party Chair Pat Noble."

Click Here to Listen to the Podcast

Friday, April 29, 2011

Charlottesville Activist Officially Running for City Council

29 April 2011

Newsplex (Charlottesville, VA)


"A member of the Socialist Party of Central Virginia has announced he will run as an independent candidate for Charlottesville City Council....

'You can resist the war here in local government by taking a look at the massive amount of contractors we have here in Charlottesville, seeing what role the city plays with those folks, and eliminating that role altogether,' Collins said at the council's April 18 meeting...."


Read More

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

26 April 2011

By: Sean Tubbs
Charlottesville Tomorrow


"A member of the Socialist Party of Central Virginia has announced he will run as an independent candidate for Charlottesville City Council....

'You can resist the war here in local government by taking a look at the massive amount of contractors we have here in Charlottesville, seeing what role the city plays with those folks, and eliminating that role altogether,' Collins said at the council's April 18 meeting...."

Read More

Monday, April 25, 2011

Charlottesville activist Brandon Collins intends to run for City Council

25 April 2011

By: Chiara Canzi
C-ville (Charlottesville, VA weekly)


"Another competitor is set to enter the race for one of three Charlottesville City Council seats. Local activist and musician Brandon Collins announced his intention to run as an Independent with "the endorsement of the Socialist Part of Central Virginia," of which he is the secretary...."

Read More

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Socialist Party Member Elected to Detroit Citizens' District Council

17 April 2010

Ballot Access News, Independent Political Report


"On April 5, Detroit elected members of Citizens' District Councils in non-partisan elections. The city has 19 districts for this office, and each district elects six members every year, for three year terms. Each council has 18 members. Matt Erard, a leader of the Socialist Party, was elected this year in the Downtown District...."

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Friday, April 15, 2011

At 17, Socialist Seeks Freeholder Seat

15 April 2011

RedBankGreen (Redbank, NJ)


"Forgive us our presumptions, but when Patrick Noble invited redbankgreen to meet for coffee earlier this week to discuss his Socialist Party candidacy for Monmouth County Freeholder, we imagined someone- different, yes. Offbeat, certainly. Embittered, possibly...."

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Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Collins Announces Candidacy for City Council

25 April 2011

C-NBC29-WVIR


"Peace activist and Socialist Party Secretary Brandon Collins is running for Charlottesville City Council.

Collins announced his candidacy as an Independent, with an endorsement from the Socialist Party of Central Virginia. Currently, he's busy collecting signatures and plans to file official campaign paperwork later this week...."

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