This Democrat would take your call in Congressional District 6
Most of the five Democrats seeking the Congressional District 6 seat are well informed with a grasp of complex policy issues.
During our Facebook Live forum, we were looking for the candidate who has sound solutions on healthcare, immigration and spending. Someone who knows the district and has a record of involvement with the community and its residents.
On policy, it was a close contest between education counselor Ruby Faye Woolridge, 69, and communications consultant Jana Lynne Sanchez, 53. So we considered: who would be the representative most likely to help a constituent who called with a problem?
That question tipped the scales in favor of Woolridge, of Arlington, who has served on numerous education advisory committees; is president of her neighborhood association; is a member of local business organizations, and has been active for many years in political and women’s groups.
Woolridge has realistic proposals for tackling the budget-busting costs of Social Security- upper income earners would pay more into the program and the eligibility age for younger employees would be raised.
She impressed us as someone who rolls up her sleeves to find solutions. She has proactively met with rural landowners in the district who are concerned their property will be seized for a high speed rail line. She has ideas for ensuring they would be properly compensated.
We were also impressed with Sanchez’s ability to present detailed ideas for shoring up Social Security, offering universal health coverage and negotiating a deal to protect Dreamers. And we considered whether she’d be more competitive against the Republican nominee knowing Woolridge ran unsuccessfully against incumbent Joe Barton in 2016.
Sanchez, however, sounded more like Republican candidates when she flatly opposed the high speed rail project and called for increased defense spending. And she appears to have worked very little with local organizations or on issues in the district.
John Duncan, 37, struck us as having the potential to develop into a strong candidate. He understands healthcare issues and uniquely called for supporting sustainable energy projects as a means of creating jobs and protecting the environment.
The other Democrats in the race are Levii Shocklee, 39, and Justin Snider, 36.
Committee assignments in Washington can give candidates the opportunity to advocate for projects important at home. If elected, Woolridge would seek to serve on education and transportation committees with a practical eye towards securing federal dollars to fight traffic gridlock in North Texas.
Because she has a depth of knowledge and demonstrated commitment to local residents we recommend Ruby Faye Woolridge for the Democratic nomination in Congressional District 6.
This story was originally published February 16, 2018 at 6:27 PM with the headline "This Democrat would take your call in Congressional District 6."