Centering Community Voices: Ida Keeley Sets Her Sights on the 39th District
In a recent episode of The Day With Trae, host Trae Holiday welcomed Ida Keeley, a candidate running for State Representative in Washington’s 39th Legislative District. Keeley joined the program to share her personal journey and her vision for a government centering community voices and lived experience.
Keeley’s path to politics is rooted in her background as a "system kid" who grew up in various parts of Washington, including Seattle's Beacon Hill and the Central District. Having navigated the foster care and juvenile justice systems firsthand, she eventually transitioned from being a recipient of these services to a professional working within them as a social worker and juvenile court administrator.
During the interview, Keeley highlighted several pillars of her campaign:
Victim Advocacy and Rights: Keeley emphasized the need for a stronger voice for victims within the justice system, particularly in Black and brown communities. She argued against an "either-or" mentality, stating that the government can and should provide robust rehabilitation services for incarcerated individuals while simultaneously ensuring victims have equal access to trauma-informed support and services to rebuild their lives.
Transforming Government through Equity: She plans to challenge the "top-down" approach of government by demanding that community subject-matter experts and residents are at the table before decisions are made, rather than after the fact.
Breaking Traditions and Civil Discourse: Drawing on her experience in government, Keeley noted that "the way it’s always been" is no longer an acceptable answer for slow-moving or ineffective systems. She advocated for analytical questioning and collaborative, yet firm, civil discourse to unravel unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
Commitment to Accessibility: Keeley stressed that building trust requires elected officials to be consistently accessible to their constituents. She expressed a commitment to maintaining an open-door policy, setting clear expectations for communication, and seeking mentorship as a new legislator to ensure she remains connected to the people who voted her into office.
Holiday concluded the segment by reminding viewers of the importance of staying informed and holding candidates accountable throughout the election cycle.
Keeley encouraged those interested in her campaign to follow her progress at IdaForWA.com or via her social media channels.
Catch “The Day With Trae” Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11 a.m. on all Converge streaming platforms.
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