By Betti Halsell
Contributing Writer/LASENTINEL
LOS ANGELES, CA — Known to many as “one of the most powerful women in American politics today,” Congresswoman Maxine Waters continues to look for ways to represent the men, women, and children of underrepresented communities on a national level in the 2020 elections.
U.S. Representative Joe Collins has challenged Waters for the 43rd congressional seat in the 2020 election. With much at stake voters have made their choice —with 75% of the votes recorded, Waters is in the lead. And with 72.5% of the votes in her favor, Waters will ensure that the nation feels confident in their decision.
Congresswoman Waters knows what it means to serve the public. Much of her energy can be seen in her 15th term in 2018 as well as her policymaking for the last 30 years. She has seen major developments in all parts of the 43rd district that is under her jurisdiction,including Westchester, Playa Del Rey, and the Watts; unincorporated areas include Lennox, West Athens, West Carson, and Harbor Gateway.
Before the call of radical social change, Congresswoman Waters co-developed thriving local initiatives such as the Black Women Forum, a non-profit organization with the involvement of over 1,200 women of color in Los Angeles.
And in the moment of George Floyd’s murder, Waters spoke out and shared her thoughts. “George Floyd is yet another unarmed African American man who has been killed at the hands of the police. George Floyd’s murder is a painful and tragic indication that we have, in fact, entered into an era where some law enforcement officers, white supremacists, and other radical extremists are feeling empowered to target, brutalize, and kill unarmed African Americans with impunity,” she said in a 2020 press release.
Early on, Congresswoman Waters recognized how imperative healthcare is and how it should be available for everyone. In July 2019 before the tragedy of a global pandemic, Waters fought “tooth and nail” to keep the threshold of Obamacare and coverage for those with preexisting conditions. That turned out to be a pivotal factor this year as we face an airborne virus that has fatal effects on those who have preexisting medical conditions.
Waters stated, “Obamacare has been the law of the land for nine years. Since its passage, Obamacare has saved millions of lives and ensured that all Americans have access to quality and affordable health care,” she said.
Congresswoman Waters is known to be a major advocate for those with preexisting medical conditions such as diabetes and AIDS/HIV.
Less than a month into the pandemic, Waters discussed a plan for relief from the coronavirus on MSNBC in March. With 30 years of public service and many policies influenced by her strategy, Waters continues to confidently protect those who feel voiceless.
However, there is a candidate who looks to have a stronger plan.
Opposing Representative Joe Collins feels “we deserve better,” proposing a five-point plan to elevate the 43rd District. Some of the policies include rebuilding the community infrastructure, improved relations with
law enforcement, educational funding, hiring opportunities, and ending the struggle in living without shelter.
Collins sees space for opportunity in how Waters has been directing the 43rd congressional district seat, according to a press release found on his official website, Collins shared concerns with Waters living in a six-million-dollar home, insinuating there has been little work that’s been done for her district.
Congressional Candidate Joe Collins scrutinized Congresswoman Waters for the expensive home, also claiming that it is outside the district she represents. Collins ran an ad in the Navy Veteran that depicts the dramatic difference between Waters’s neighborhood compared to the area she represents.
Waters affirmed Collins’s standing with the Trump administration, as he denied being a “Trump Republican” days before on a radio interview on Power106.
However, as the current president announced his support of Collins it appears there may be space for more transparency from the very start.
Serving the public is what is most important— the congresswoman’s living establishment or Collins’s alignment does not come close in comparison to the significance of serving the community. The people have cast their collective vote. During a heightened time of awareness, many hold their breath as Congresswoman Waters conducts the US congressional 43rd District into a new area of social distancing. There is much hope put into this candidate as the community feels through a dark tunnel into a new normal.