Welcome!

Dear Friends,

I am running for Congress to provide a better future for our children, our community, and our nation. I believe that my strong record of community service, along with my international and national leadership experience, have prepared me to lead our district and nation in a positive new direction.

As a 27-year resident of East County, I understand the needs of people in the 52nd Congressional district. My husband and I have raised five children here. I’ve taught school at Grossmont College and in the Grossmont High School district. I’ve served as chair of the El Cajon Planning Commission and as a member of the Grossmont Hospital Foundation Board and California Regional Water Quality Control Board. In addition, I’ve had leadership roles in civic organizations ranging from Rotary to the YMCA.

I also bring national and international leadership skills to this race. As past president of the National Medical Association Auxiliary, and a member of an FDA panel on medical issues, I speak with authority in support of universal healthcare for all. As executive director of Water for Children Africa, a nonprofit organization, I have led international humanitarian efforts to bring water and medical supplies to those in need. I also organized 11 international trade and business conferences. As a small business owner myself, I understand the needs of the business community, while also supporting the rights and needs of working people.

People in our community are struggling as the cost of healthcare, gas, housing and college skyrocket while jobs get outsourced overseas. Meanwhile the United States is spending hundreds of billions of dollars on a war with Iraq that even top military leaders now believe is fueling terrorism, not reducing it. There are far better ways to protect our national security and strengthen our defenses here in America.

I support bringing our troops home and investing in positive programs to help people. We need healthcare reform, better care for our wounded veterans, strong social safety nets such as Social Security, and improved fire protection for our region. I also support creation of new jobs in green, renewable energy production to halt global warming and revitalize our economy.

Please help me to represent you in Congress. I promise to hold town hall meetings often, listening to views of all people in our district. Together, we can make this vision become a reality.

Best wishes,

Vickie Butcher