construction industry. Now is the perfect time. Protect our treaty rights. We need to have a loud, clear,
Senate Seat 7
Joe Williams
knowledgeable voice, someone who knows the fisheries. The vessel traffic industry is growing so much that fishing in our U&A may become hazardous to our own safety when we are out there. I know this because I am your representative on the “Harbor Safety Committee” and the
Enough empty promises. I have solid plans of action.
“Oil Transportation Safety Committee.” I don’t get paid to
Housing. Jobs with livable wages. Protect our treaty
sit on these committees. I do it because I care. And I will
rights. Let’s not forget about the drug addiction
fight to make our voice heard loud and clear. We must
epidemic.
protect our way of life and our usual and accustomed
Swinomish has its own economy right here. Let’s make
areas now and for our next seven generations.
it work for everyone in our community, and not just a few
Those of you that know me, know that I have dedicated
people.
my life to those still struggling with drug addiction. We
So many young people have come to me with housing issues. You grew up in this community, this is your home.
lose way too many of our people to this struggle. I will never lose sight of this ongoing issue.
You deserve an affordable place to live, here. I have solid
I am sick of hearing empty campaign promises. We need
plans to make that happen. The didgʷálič Wellness
vision, solid plans, and ACTION. With the knowledge I
Center generates income that can be used to support
have picked up as a Swinomish Senator, I will be able to
health programs. A housing crisis is a health crisis. Let’s
hit the ground running. I am willing to be your voice. I will
use didgʷálič funds for housing.
listen to our community members with respect. Let us
We need job opportunities for our community members with a livable wage, not minimum wage. I have put my
honor the vision of our ancestors and take care of each other.
own name on the line to get community members hired into good jobs in construction because I care about the people of this community. We will work together, to lift each other up. If elected, I plan to push for the creation of a Swinomish-owned union construction company with well-paying jobs for our community members. The skills that we learn in the fishing industry transfer to the 7
