Congressman Harold Ford Jr. visited Inner-City Ministries in Chattanooga on Tuesday morning and told the staff he was “excited about community and faith-based organizations” like Inner-City Ministries. He said he supports organizations that “are looking to change communities.”The Democratic U.S. Senate candidate toured the facility and spoke with the Inner-City Academy first grade class. “Keep doing what you’re doing. You have families that love and care about you and that want to help you be what you want to be,” he said to the first graders.
In an interview, Congressman Ford was asked what he thought about the questions raised to Attorney General Albert Gonzales regarding the Bush administration wiretapping. “I can’t figure out why Bush doesn’t just ask Congress to change the law,” he said. “He may have broken the law or be breaking the law as we speak... We should change laws” if Bush believes spying is necessary for security but “he needs to be in accordance with the law.”
He said many fellow Democrats do not share his feelings. “Many Democrats have jumped on me for being too supportive of the war, but I have been to Iraq three times.”
Congressman Ford was also asked what he thought of U.S. Senate Republican Candidate Bob Corker. He said, “He is a decent guy. We have different priorities….I’ll let him fight through the primaries before we get into that.”
Inner-City Ministries Executive Director Chiquita Bass said the organization has been struggling financially and she and other staff members have been praying for help. She said Congressman Ford’s presence was a blessing since “his heart is with the plight of the poor and unfortunate.” She said the ministry provides “emergency assistance” such as food, clothing and dental care. The organization also has an inner city school for pre-k through 3rd grade.
Ms. Bass said his visit gives visibility to the organization. “Recently, we have had to make cutbacks, so we have been praying God would give us funding. I know when the people of Chattanooga hear of our need they’ll help.”
Headmaster John Kilpatrick said he is excited about the potential the ministry has in reaching the community. He said he hopes through Congressman Ford’s and other’s efforts the school will stay open and reach kids in the community. In the past the school has had to make cut backs, he said, so we want to raise money to “keep doors open.” The school is in its seventh year, he said, and currently has 57 students.
The school is a not for profit organization that is funded by individuals and corporations. He said the ministry gladly welcomes funding and volunteer hours that individuals or businesses have to offer.
Ms. Bass said the McClellan Foundation recently provided a $150,000 grant that Inner-City Ministries must match. “We are looking for people to help raise the money,” she said.
She said Inner-City Ministries is celebrating its 34th year anniversary fundraiser on March 17 at the Bessie Smith Hall.
Source: The Chattanoogan
35 Days
Days of Congressional Inaction on Ethics
Above is the number of days that have passed since Jack Abramoff pleaded guilty to bribing Congressman.
It is also the number of days in which Congress has failed to pass an ethics reform bill that would limit private travel, ski and golf junkets, and would call for a full disclosure of expenses by lobbyists on members of Congress.
It is time for Congress to step up and pass an ethics reform bill that would do all of the above. In addition, it is time to end the pork barrel spending system as we know it and establish an independent ethics commission that would review ethics complaints against members of Congress.
I am proud Congressman Harold Ford Jr. is fighting for that reform!
Read Congressman Ford's call for reform of the House rules here!
