[link removed]

John --

When I first launched my campaign in January, one of the things I looked forward to most was participating in public forums and town halls alongside the other candidates running in WA-10. Having meaningful conversations about the issues we face is so important, and I know firsthand that voters in the South Sound are eager for more substance and less platitudes.

But like nearly every aspect of society, running for office has been turned on its head in the age of COVID-19.

Campaign activities have been on hold. Instead, I’ve hosted conference calls and engaged voters virtually in order to do my part in delivering information about the CARES Act and how folks in the South Sound can get the relief they need.

Hundreds of thousands of Washingtonians are on the front lines of this crisis in our hospitals, grocery stores, and pharmacies. I thank them from the bottom of my heart, and I hope to serve them in Congress next year -- fighting to bring health and economic relief to working families and continuing the work I’ve done alongside retiring Congressman Denny Heck.

John, we are less than 90 days away from the August 4th top-two primary. It would be a disservice to the voters and a missed opportunity if we conduct this election without any candidate forums. We can't let this race be decided by paid advertisement alone.

That's why today I'm asking leaders of the South Sound’s media and civic organizations to host a series of virtual forums and town halls in order to give voters an opportunity to hear from the candidates directly. Will you join me by adding your name to my petition? We're delivering signatures early next week, and the more support we can show the better.

Add Your Name >> [link removed]

I believe the opportunity for voters to hear directly from candidates in this race would be a unifying civic experience for the South Sound at a time when we are more physically apart than ever.

Between the health and economic impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, economic inequality on full display, and an unrelenting climate emergency, there are serious issues that need to be discussed. We have an obligation to empower voters to make informed decisions about who should replace retiring Congressman Denny Heck.

This is a wide-open race that will determine who represents us in Congress for years to come. Let’s give the people of the South Sound an opportunity to shape the race before they make their voice heard in August.

Sign my petition asking South Sound media and civic organizations to host a series of virtual town halls.

Thanks for your support,

Phil Gardner

P.S. If there are other outlets and civic leaders that should receive this petition, reply to this email directly and let us know.

Add Your Name >> [link removed]

Leaders of these South Sound media and civic organizations were sent this message:

The Tacoma News Tribune
The Olympian
Shelton-Mason County Journal
KNKX
League of Women Voters of Thurston County
League of Women Voters of Tacoma-Pierce County
Tacoma Urban League
Centro Latino
Asia-Pacific Cultural Center
Rainbow Center








Paid for by Phil Gardner for Congress

Phil Gardner served as the District Director for Congressman Rep. Denny Heck in Washington's 10th District. Now, he's running to replace Denny in order to continue fighting for the people of the South Sound and our shared progressive values. If elected, Phil would make history as Washington state’s first openly LGBT Member of Congress.

To support Phil's campaign, donate here. We'd hate to see you go, but if you can unsubscribe: [link removed] here.

Phil Gardner for Congress
P.O. Box 2766
Olympia, WA 98507
United States