Interview with Rick Nagin, Candidate for Ward 14 City Councilman Race

I worked in City Council I was able to work effectively with everybody. I am independent, but I know how to work cooperatively and in coalition to get things done. My base in the grassroots and the labor movement, not in any political group or faction.



4. What five issues would you address as Councilman?



a) With consultation and involvement of people from all neighborhoods, we need to build a strong, viable Community Development Corporation centered in Ward 14 that can involve residents in neighborhood improvements and promote commercial development on the main streets. b) Connected with this I will encourage the building of a network of block clubs to promote security and neighborhood development. c) In partnership with MetroHealth, the School District, the libraries, the Boys and Girls Club, Art House and the Zoo, I will work to promote youth programs, education and culture. d) Ward 14 is the home base of the Hispanic community and should become a regional destination for promote appreciation of Spanish language, music, dance, cuisine, history and culture. This can be done in partnership with the Spanish American Committee, the Hispanic social clubs, the Julia de Burgos Cultural Center and the Bilingual Multicultural Office. e) I will aggressively address the plague of vacant houses through receivership, demolition, rehab and jobs programs.



5. People say you are a socialist or communist. Is that true?



I am a lifelong registered Democrat. I have worked in the Democratic Party since the 1964 election of Lyndon Johnson. I was an active member of the Ward 14 Democratic Club. Last year I was labor coordinator for Congressman Dennis Kucinich’s primary campaign and I was part of the Labor ...