Labor Day email from Democrat Scott Maddox who's running for Ag and Consumer Services Commissioner

Hello Friends,

On this day it is important that we take time to honor the many men and women who have labored, fought, and organized to build this great nation.

I am proud to stand with my brother and sisters - honoring their efforts - as we celebrate America's most indispensable resource - the American worker.

My family has deep roots in Florida labor, and we know firsthand the consequences of not being protected. My grandfather lugged blocks of ice from house to house only to be "let go" so the company he worked for would not have to pay his duly earned retirement. My father founded a union and served as its president.

Today is a day of praise and remembrance, but it is also a day of action.

We cannot afford to sit back and rest on what our forefathers and mothers accomplished. I am concerned about the direction of the state and the nation; the rights and opportunities earned in the past are now under assault and may not be there for future generations.

At an alarming rate, we are losing jobs to companies overseas; the jobs that we do have are not keeping up with inflation. Moms and dads are now forced to take two or even three part time jobs just to barely get by. A living wage is only a dream for too many of our citizens. At present, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Florida has over an 11% unemployment rate, higher than the national average and one of the highest in the South.

The current leadership in Tallahassee has failed the working families of Florida. While skilled labor leaves the state, at every level, incumbent politicians have been behind the curve.

My opponent, longtime U.S. Congressman Adam Putnam, is no friend of working families. He has continually sided with corporations and their CEOs over the interest of Florida's workers. The AFL-CIO gave him lifetime rating of 9%; American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees gave him a lifetime score of 1%; Utility Workers 1%; Federally Employed Women 20%; Service Employees International 0%; United Food and Commercial Workers 7%; Disabled American Veterans 0%; Alliance for Retired American 4% - and the list goes on.

It is time that we have real leadership in Tallahassee, not career Washington insiders pandering to corporate greed and special interests. I am running for the Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services because for too long the “big corporate bottom line" has dictated Florida agriculture and economic policy.

We need leadership that understands the value of the working family and small businesses and cares about the issues that influence our lives.

Thank you for your support. Have a wonderful and safe Labor Day.

Sincerely,

Scott Maddox