California Lt. Governor receives a ONE band… and a seat in Congress

Nov 11th, 2009 3:29 PM UTC
By Roscoe Mapps

Two weeks ago I met then California Lieutenant Governor John Garamendi. I had read about the peace mission he led during the Ethiopian Eritrea war 1998-2000, but during our conversation we discussed his family’s work with the peace corps early in his adult life. He and his wife Patti began their marriage serving together in southeastern Ethiopia, and Patti served as Assistant Director of the U.S. Peace Corps. As of last Tuesday Lieutenant Garamendi was elected the newest U.S. Congressman from Northern California.

What I’ll remember most about meeting him was the sincerity and connection I felt when with him while talking about global poverty. He asked me to come visit him if elected, and he made me promise to remind him about what needs to be done regarding global poverty. In his own words Congressman Garamendi once stated:

America should be the world’s advocate in promoting human rights throughout the world. Even a minor increase in our foreign aid could have a profound impact in regions of the world suffering from starvation and disease. We know that extremism and violence thrives in the poorest regions of the world, so this is really a national security issue too.

Representative Garamendi will be serving California’s 10th district, and of course we have a “few” ONE members out there who are anxious to meet with their newest member of Congress. Special thanks to ONE Member Brian Webster for his work in making this meeting happen.

TAGS: California, From ONE Members