Kimberly McKay
Candidate for
1st District Commissioner,
St. Louis County, MN
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My Volunteer and Advocacy Work.
- I am at this time serving my final year as the chairperson for the city of Duluth's Commission on Disabilities as there is a three year limit to the seat as chair. While sitting on the commission I have had the opportunity to work with some really great people and have watch the commission grow and do a lot of great work throughout the city. For more information on what we have been up to please see my page on disabilities.
- Hope VI project. I have been involved in this project pretty much from the beginning for two main reasons. First, because I like the idea behind it, integrating people from low, moderate, and high incomes into one area instead of the old stigma of "the projects" from when I lived there. I believe that it gives people more of a interest in the area where they live when they have an investment in the area. Also, Hope VI works with people towards home ownership rather than just renting. This, in my opinion, is very important to peoples' self esteem as well as their belief in what they can accomplish if given the chance. Success is not out of their reach.
- Duluth and St. Louis County Days. I have had the pleasure of working with the Duluth Chamber of Commerce on the lobbying effort at the capitol the last three years. I started out doing this as a liaison for the Disabilities Commission in the capacity of ensuring that everyone would have the opportunity to be involved in their government. I believe that all people have the right to be seen and heard by the people who represent them.
- Mayor's Committee on Homelessness. Food, shelter and clothing are the main three things that all people need to survive. As a person who grew up in St. Louis County I know how bad the winters here can get. When we have people living in the streets here we not only are dealing with a problem but also a safety issue. Surviving out in the elements can be deadly, and the problem must be addressed before it gets worse not to mention the fact that quite a few of these people are also preyed upon by others. The fact that many of these people also suffer from mental health issues and are in high risk categories also makes it all the more important to deal with the problem.
- VFW Post 137 Auxiliary. As the grand-daughter of two WWII combat decorated vets and a family history of military involvement all the way back to the Revolution, I felt it was my duty to give something back. So I joined the Auxiliary four years ago. I was the chaplain for the last two years and have now been elected as the Aux. President. Supporting our troops is very important to me. I have four cousins in the military right now and I am very proud of them for what they are doing serving their country.
I was too young to do anything when our vets came home from Vietnam and it appalls me to when I hear the stories that they tell about how they were treated when they came home. I made a vow that I would do anything and everything I could to see to it that didn't happen again. As much as I would love world peace, I also have to remember that this country was not built on peace and that if it was not for our men and women in the military we would not be enjoying the rights and freedoms we have today. Don't misinterpret this as me agreeing with the war in Iraq because I look at that from a different stand point. If some other country was to invade the United States because they believed that they knew better than us on how we should live I would fight for this country with no hesitation and I believe most of you would also. Another thing I look at is this country has fought its own revolution as well as civil war. Nobody came in and helped us; we did it on our own, so I have to question us fighting someone else's war for them.
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