Women Leaders Unite in Support of Das Williams for State Assembly

Local Santa Barbara City Councilmember Das Williams reports today that his campaign for the 35th Assembly District has received the endorsements of numerous California women leaders thus far:

• Patricia Bellasalma, President, California NOW*
• Linda Joplin, former President, California NOW*
• Janice Rocco, Southwest Regional Director of NOW*
• Six Former Presidents of the Santa Barbara Women's Political Committee:
• Assemblymember Hannah-Beth Jackson (ret.)
• Santa Barbara Mayor Marty Blum
• Santa Barbara Mayor Elect Helene Schneider
• Goleta City Councilmember Margaret Connell
• Sharon Hoshida, Former Director of the UC Santa Barbara Women's Center
• Janet Barron, President, Ventura County NOW

In announcing their support of Das' campaign, leaders cited his record of support on women's issues and his years of involvement in campaigns and other movements to increase equality, close the gender gap, protect women's rights, and create more opportunities for women to succeed.

"For years, Das Williams has been a leader on women's issues," said Patty Bellasalma, President of California NOW. "There is no other candidate in this race that has fought harder on our issues than Das Williams."

Bellasalma added "Women in this state need more than just one-issue candidates right now. To advance the fight for women's equality, we need principled leaders who have experience balancing budgets and fighting for health care, education, and jobs - - leaders who have a proven track record of standing up for women. Das has that history and is that person."

Das Williams has long been a staunch advocate for women. He serves as one of only two male national board members of NOW, helped start the Women's Economic Justice Conference, which is a yearly event that focuses on empowering women in low-wage jobs and led to the creation of South Oxnard's Centro Mujer. As a City Councilmember, Das helped lead the charge to increase Santa Barbara's commitment to youth and children, including the provision of free child care in Downtown, Westside, and Eastside Schools in the summer. Das has also worked to elect some of Santa Barbara's most prominent women leaders such Assemblywoman Hannah-Beth Jackson, Santa Barbara Mayor Elect Helene Schneider, Goleta City Councilmember Margaret Connell, and Santa Barbara County Supervisor Doreen Farr.

"I am honored to have the endorsements of so many women leaders," said Das. "I have fought hard both in my political and personal life for women's rights and opportunities, and I will continue to advocate on their behalf in the State Assembly."

Labels: 35th Assembly District, NOW, women's rights