I come from a long line of blue-collar workers—some with jobs so dangerous it cost them their lives. People with money and power tried to crush my family’s hopes and dignity. But we never gave up — my parents wouldn’t allow it. “Shedlocks work hard,” my dad said.

As a labor leader and community activist, I’ve worked my whole life standing up to insiders and special interests who exploit working people. Now, the stakes are higher than ever — but I’ll never give up fighting for a more affordable, healthy, tolerant, and livable South Portland for all of us.

We can and must win this fight!