DFA backs Bethany Hallam for Allegheny County Council
Today, Democracy for America (DFA) announced its endorsement of Bethany Hallam in the race for Allegheny County Council happening this coming Tuesday, May 21 in Pennsylvania.
A lifelong native of Ross Township in Allegheny County, PA, Hallan is running for County Council to increase county government transparency and ensure every Allegheny County resident has access to clean air, water, and affordable public transit.
During her struggles with prescription opioid addiction and subsequent recovery, Hallan spent time in Allegheny County jail, so she understands the many challenges returning citizens face and, as a result, will bring with her a perspective frequently lacking in local government.
Yvette Simpson, DFA’s Chief Executive Officer, on the organization’s endorsement of Hallam for County Council:
“Democracy for America is excited to endorse Bethany Hallam for County Council because she’ll be a relentless champion for bold, just, and inclusive county government in Allegheny County, PA.
“DFA is supporting Bethany Hallam because we know she understands that every resident deserves a better Allegheny County. Clean air, safe water, and affordable access to high-quality public transportation should be available to everyone, not luxuries for a few, and that’s why Bethany Hallam is committed to fighting to ensure the county’s clean air funds go to clean air initiatives, its water table is protected from the dangers of fracking, and its public transit system puts people before profit.
“We’re particularly thrilled to support Bethany Hallam for Allegheny County Council because, through her struggle with prescription opioid addiction and subsequent recovery, she has first-hand knowledge of how the county’s criminal justice system fails its citizens. Local government is full of people who have never experienced the devastating effects of our criminal justice system and almost none have Bethany Hallam’s lived experiences. The real, robust reforms our criminal justice system needs require the unique perspective and real-life experience of leaders like Bethany Hallam and we’re honored to help get her there. ” -- Yvette Simpson, CEO, Democracy for America
Democracy for America is a member-driven, people-powered progressive PAC with a one million strong community taking on income inequality, money in politics, and structural racism. Since the organization's founding in 2004, DFA members have contributed over $63 million and made more than 25 million calls to elect over 1,000 progressive candidates up-and-down the ballot, all across the country.