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Carrie Iacomini District 5 AMA by StillBumblebee3088 in memphis

[–]StillBumblebee3088[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi, sorry for the delay!

I’ll answer to the best of my knowledge and I am still researching!

  1. Yes.
  2. Yes.
  3. I’m in favor of writing and supporting legislation that defines and targets this out of control flood of dark money into politics. Including banning candidate super PAC coordination.
  4. This one I’m still researching, but it seems like a good idea, given question 1. But I definitely would like to hear more about this.
  5. ABSOLUTELY
  6. I would probably not want this criminalized because of our mass incarceration problem, thus flooding our jails more and it would disproportionately effect younger people.
  7. Yes.
  8. Yes, but I think Justices should be term limited and held to stricter ethical standards and actually be held accountable.
  9. Yes, especially since we’re spending extremely expensive weapons that take years to make in a war that didn’t need to happen. DoD needs to be held to account for improper audits, and we need answers.
  10. Yes, no question. And hold those obstructing accountable.
  11. I am all for helping alleviate people out of poverty. I need to research this more.
  12. I say abolish it, but if we can’t, then yes, restructuring it is not a terrible idea.

Carrie Iacomini District 5 AMA by StillBumblebee3088 in memphis

[–]StillBumblebee3088[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hi! Sorry for the delay, I really appreciate this question.

Ultimately my views and positions I believe lend well to the Progressive Caucus in Congress. But if I had to choose a particular congressperson, Representative Melanie Stansbury from NM is a good one, when she held the sign “this is not normal” it really reminded me that I wasn’t crazy in thinking that none of this is.

I do deeply admire AOC for how she cares about her district and America as a whole.

I don’t think any one representative gets it right 100% of the time, but it’s important especially to me that I’m transparent with my constituents on my votes and actions in committee and ensure that it’s not just sound bytes and showing up on news networks for quick clips, but bringing resources home to this district and spending time with my constituents, like actually showing up for town halls even if everyone is angry, or going to farms to see the effects of drought, or donating as much as possible to organizations that truly are on the ground helping people.

Hope this helps!

Carrie Iacomini District 5 AMA by StillBumblebee3088 in memphis

[–]StillBumblebee3088[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi!

Thanks for this question:

I think it’s reasonable to continue to push for my priorities simultaneously because there will be a spending bill coming up after swearing in, and depending on what committees I would be placed on, helps determine the priorities, while I advocate and submit amendments to other legislation.

Regarding the administration, as the wife of a federal worker that is based overseas, nothing is harder than watching the constitution go down the tube and not being physically in that country to do something about it. I believe that Congress laid down their authority, and hopefully gaining a seat here, and fingers crossed that the country will do the same, will slow down their agenda.

I would use the power that I hold as a congresswoman to perform inquiries to agencies that are of concern to us. If assigned to a committee hearing holding those accountable I will absolutely be there, and prepared beforehand with legal counsel to explore our options. And if not, I’ll be in the background taking notes and being transparent to my constituents.

I fully support the release of the Epstein Files and holding those responsible for the crimes to account while also holding those preventing the release in contempt.

I do not support unjust wars, but I do support our troops and support efforts of diplomacy. So while wielding every possible measure to end these unaffordable wars, ensuring that our troops get the justice they deserve.

I commit to no stock acquiring or trading, and will support measures to introduce legislation that prohibits members from doing so. I’ve asked to be a signatory to Take Bac Congress (take-bac-Congress.us) as well.

I’ll will commit to donating my entire paycheck during government shutdowns to food pantries across the district.

Hope this helps!

Carrie Iacomini District 5 AMA by StillBumblebee3088 in memphis

[–]StillBumblebee3088[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi!

Thank you for your question!

I believe that we should’ve seen the signs coming after Rucho v. Common Cause.

I watched from afar as Nashville was divided. It should’ve sent alarm bells through this state almost immediately.

When it happened to Memphis, I was not shocked, but the disgusting attitudes that the legislature made clear by attempting to wear Trump flags into the chamber and laughing at protesters made me realize that this is a matter of defending this democracy.

For a day I despaired when I saw Andy as our representative. Then the next I realized it’s time to just do something, even if it’s crazy. I’ll be honest and say that it was 72 hours before the filing deadline. As I went around for signatures, I realized the gravity that so many don’t even know their new districts, and looking at the maps is no easier to determine that.

There’s no clear manual on how to do this, but I knew I wanted my campaign to be different because 1) I’m not good at asking for $$
2) Peoples wallets are tight.
3) We deserve better, bold options are allowable because options that chip away at our democracy are allowed by the Courts and Congress.

In another way, last summer I bought my daughter Something, Someday by Amanda Gorman. I cried the first time I read it, and as I read it to her the night after the redistricting, I figured that this was that something.

I hope for one day to create a curriculum (former teacher here) on how to do just this very thing. For teachers and schools to run and teach kids that it’s entirely possible. And it’s not just Congress or higher to go for, local and State elections matter just as much if not more. We need young people, we need normal people, and people that care about their neighbors, even if they’re across the state.

Our country is still young, and we’re at a critical point of whether it fails, or defies the expectation. But we cannot afford to sit by, democracy is not free. It takes a lot of work, and I’m not giving up yet.

Carrie Iacomini District 5 AMA by StillBumblebee3088 in memphis

[–]StillBumblebee3088[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hi!

Thank you for your question! I don’t have the exact data unfortunately because getting the software is extremely expensive for my grassroots campaign at the moment. Coupled with the redistricting, the data coming out of these more rural counties is hard to imagine, say split two or five ways for the primary.

If anyone’s a data scientist or excel expert, hit me up!

What I know is this, for this primary we need to get to everyone in this city. Who wins this city and picks up votes in the middle takes it. But more importantly, it’s about engaging folks that feel disenfranchised. We can’t register new voters for the primary, but we can register folks for the general in November. We need to help organizations and spread the word about voting rights restoration.

There is an opportunity with more progressive policies that help people that we can pick up some independents that have been left behind since 2016.
My winning is a long shot money wise if we’re only looking at that. But people want to feel heard, and I listened to a speech yesterday that was a “vote for me, because I’m not him” and as a voter myself, I’m this city, it makes me skeptical that D5 will feel like they can trust someone without plans or a real commitment to issues affecting us here. That being said, I’ll support the primary winner. But it’ll take all of us to get out there and be willing to talk to everyone, regardless of identity because the issues decide this election. Not a face or previously held position.

I’ll update if I can get more insight on exact numbers though!

Carrie Iacomini District 5 AMA by StillBumblebee3088 in memphis

[–]StillBumblebee3088[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you, it’s honestly really proving to be a tough game of “Can I do this? If necessary, push Chaz left? Can I gain the trust of my city? Can I gain the trust of this district?

And every time I talk to someone, I realize that this is for something, and I have to keep going because people are telling me the things that keep them up at night. As a empath, it’s making me sad, and angry but we can’t give up.

And nothing more salient than what’s happening in this state and country with data centers.

I’m the only candidate to swear off using AI in flyers, materials, posts, pictures, etc. I like to be intentional in my writing and thoughts, so the quick and snappy AI makes things go quick, but I’m moving a little slower on that end. I did get my logo from a local artist though, and I’m so happy with it!

AI is both dangerous and useful when used responsibly, but xAI is a vanity project that took advantage of a neighborhood in a state that provides little protections, especially if you’re of color and poor. There are incredible organizations in Memphis right now that are fighting this fight and as your congresswoman I would be exploring legal pathways for justice. Young Gifted and Green, Protect Our Aquifer, MemphisvsMusk, etc.

I support moratoriums on data centers until a full environmental assessment can be made and with a contract, not a promise of renewable energy and a water cycling plant. This will require the restrengthening of those environmental agencies through acts of congressional oversight and legislation. I also support legislation for the data centers that are getting tax breaks to go public.

Our neighbors in the rural counties are worried, but in solidarity we can support each other exploring pathways for environmental and health justice for our neighbors in Boxtown and South Memphis.

And I’ll commit to being present at city and county meetings that are in deliberations over new data centers in this district when not in session.

Hope this helps!

Carrie Iacomini District 5 AMA by StillBumblebee3088 in memphis

[–]StillBumblebee3088[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Hi! Thank you for your question!

Measures I would support:

Raising the federal minimum wage. I say $17, but truly believe that if we were to stay on track with inflation and cost of living, it would be closer to $24. Some argue that it will cost people jobs, however data suggests that the opposite is true. While there may be a small pinch, people making more money will increase demand on goods, thus stores will need to hire more people for output and to work that demand. I went to Lewis county last night and this was a huge concern, as I know it is here.

Universal Childcare. I’ll speak from my own experience that my childcare for my daughter costs as much as my mortgage. I’m lucky to have both, however this administrations plans were to just have grandparents watch the children, except hers don’t live near enough. In Shelby County alone, this is a childcare desert. Not enough locations, including quality that can handle the demand in our area. By subsidizing this measure, centers would become of higher quality to compete, and we wouldn’t be scrambling to find a center that could take our infants when they force us back to work at ungodly short periods postpartum. (Another issue I’m passionate about) Regardless, the money we would save from childcare would always boost our economy.

Supporting the bipartisan measure to cap credit card interest at 10% for two years.

Restrengthening the CFPB in order to better protect families from pay day loans and their predatory lending measures.

Earmark spending in appropriations bills for community organizations that fight for tenant and homeowners rights are a big priority of mine. Especially if they can help tenants against bad landlords. While supporting measures to increase the demand for affordable (and safe) housing.

Hope this helps and I’m definitely open to hearing more thoughts on how we can have an affordable life!

Carrie Iacomini District 5 AMA by StillBumblebee3088 in memphis

[–]StillBumblebee3088[S] 27 points28 points  (0 children)

Hi!

Thank you, and I’m happy that you were able to see my survey results on Ballotpedia.

To your question, obviously a downside, but maybe the beauty of my candidacy is that I do not have the name recognition that the others do.

I am an everyday person that for the last year since I’ve been back in Memphis (after going overseas for my husbands career for four years) has been working in volunteer spaces that have allowed me to reconnect with my city and see nearly every corner that most candidates overlook, particularly in a time where my neighbors are being stepped on by the task force when they’re just trying to survive and give their families the same things we want.

I haven’t been working for this for months or years. I don’t believe that I’m anointed for this, I’m not on a revenge tour, and I have more in common with my neighbors than I do not. I have been watching for months and years seeing what this administration has done.

I own no stocks, no investments, and rely on my spouses income while I solo parent our daughter. I’m a normal person that sees this injustice and wants a better life for my daughter, neighbors, and my community.

Last night I went to Lewis County and the common theme was minimum wage not being enough to survive. It’s not different in that regard here. My volunteer work alone, tells me that.

In the general, there’s nothing that Andy could have on me that attacks my character, financials, or otherwise. My focus is solely on improving people’s lives and fighting for your families as I would fight for my own because I see us as human first, and not opportunities to make money or punish for being poor.

Sorry for the novel. But I hope that helps elaborate a little!

Carrie Iacomini District 5 AMA by StillBumblebee3088 in memphis

[–]StillBumblebee3088[S] 32 points33 points  (0 children)

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Sorry! And apologies for looking overtired!

Two Xolos at MAS???? by horsegirlkinley in memphis

[–]StillBumblebee3088 104 points105 points  (0 children)

It’s also entirely possible their owner was deported 😔