George,

It was interesting to read that David Toscano recently cited Robert F. Kennedy as his political hero [http://loper.org/~george/archives/2005/Oct/889.html].

One of Kennedy's many valuable contributions to American political life was his vocal insistence on providing greater economic opportunities for society's dispossessed. In his mind, this included, first and foremost, the opportunity to work in a job that pays enough to lift one's family out of poverty.

At the candidates' forum last Thursday, David endorsed the idea of raising the minimum wage so that working families will have a better shot at escaping the bonds of poverty. Unfortunately, according to news reports, his opponent declined to do so -- despite the fact that the minimum wage has not been increased in over 8 years, and has eroded significantly in real value over the past three decades. It's almost impossible anymore for someone earning $5.15/hour (of $6.15 or $7.15/hour, for that matter) to keep their head above water, and it's about time that the General Assembly exerted some leadership on this issue.

The 57th District needs a representative in Richmond who will strive to ensure that the working families of our state have a greater hope of securing the bright future that Robert Kennedy envisioned for all. For this reason, I will be voting for David Toscano on November 8, and I encourage others to do the same.

Dave Norris (electronic mail, October 27, 2005)