Dumping Cathy
Meet Joe Pakootas, Candidate for 5th District Congress
We have a unique opportunity to meet Joe Pakootas, who is running for the 5th Congressional District seat against Cathy McMorris Rodgers.
Monday, February 17, 2014
6:30-8:30pm,
Silver Reef Casino Pavillion
hor’deurves and a non-alcohol beverage bar
This is a fundraiser, so you will be asked to donate. But it is just as important that people learn about this campaign and this candidate and spread the word, so don't hesitate to attend even if you can't donate. Their goal is to raise $1.5M in order for him to beat Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R).
Here's what the campaign says about Joe:
Joe Pakootas is a proven leader in Eastern Washington, as a former Chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, and a successful small businessman.
Joe will bring the values of his Eastern Washington community to Congress, as the first Native American Congressman from Washington State.
Joe’s background tells a story about a man who has sacrificed to support his family, and who will make a difference as the Congressman from Washington’s 5th District. Joe grew up in Inchelium, Wash., on the Colville Reservation, and married his high school sweetheart, Cheryl. He put off college so he could work a union job and support his young family. Later Joe went back to school and earned a
Master in Business Administration from the University of Washington. For 16 years Joe served as an elected leader on the Colville tribal council, including as chairman. As chair, he led a landmark cleanup of heavy metals in the Columbia River and Lake Roosevelt. He returned to service as CEO of the tribe’s business enterprises, turning business losses into pro!ts in four short years.
Since 1985 he and Cheryl have owned and operated the Inchelium Short Stop, a gas station and convenience store that supported them as they raised their four children, and now six grandchildren. All the while, Joe and Cheryl have coached high school sports, putting them in touch with the needs of working families and their children throughout Washington’s 5th District.
Income inequality:
Strengthen regional employment —from agriculture to industry, small business and tribal enterprises—so we can grow urban and rural jobs.
Environment:
Protect the waters of Eastern Washington, including the Columbia and Spokane rivers and their tributaries, so everyone who uses and enjoys these water ways can do so safely.
Children:
Advocate for programs like free milk and free and reduced price meal for school children in need, while promoting education so that our kids can be prepared for 21st Century economy.
Tribes:
Ensure that Tribes have access to all the opportunities and program our country offers, including Empowerment Zones and tax incentives for businesses that locate on Indian lands and employ Indian people.
For more information or to donate to Joe’s campaign, go to pakootasforcongress.com