The Spark

the Voice of
The Communist League of Revolutionary Workers–Internationalist

“The emancipation of the working class will only be achieved by the working class itself.”
— Karl Marx

Working Class Party:
Why We Run

Oct 28, 2024

The candidates for the Working Class Party in Michigan were asked why they were running for their office, and what their qualifications are, for the League of Women Voters Guide. Below, we have reprinted excerpts from some of their answers.

Liz Hakola, 1st Congressional District:

“The working class in this country needs a party that represents us and our needs. The two major parties represent the capitalist owner class who control the economy. Workers produce all the wealth, and when united, could control the way the economy is run.”

Kathy Goodwin, 8th Congressional District:

“I am running to help link together all the ordinary working people who feel isolated today. Many working people are living life in a brave way, as truthful people, as fighters for justice, caring for others, speaking truth to power. Society wants working class people to be victims. No, working people are the ones who do every job in the world. The working class makes the whole world run. We just need to help more people around us to understand our real value as workers and our real power.”

Jim Walkowicz, 9th Congressional District:

“The politicians from the two major parties do not represent the majority of people in this country. They only represent the wealthy and their friends. As a candidate of the Working Class Party, I am running to represent the interests of the majority of people in this country—the working class.”

Andrea L. Kirby, 10th Congressional District:

“I have been a part of the working class all my life. Every election cycle, representatives make promises on how to fix the problems of the working class. I believe that the working class is the only class that can change the conditions of our class.”

Gary Walkowicz, 12th Congressional District:

“I run as a candidate of the Working Class Party because I am a worker. The Republicans and the Democrats both represent and work for the banks, the corporations and the billionaires. These two parties do not work for us.”

Simone R. Coleman, 13th Congressional District:

“I’m a retired foreman/construction worker of 30 years. I believe it’s time for workers to have their own party. And for resources to reach more people.”

Mary Anne Hering, State Board of Education:

“I was a long-time community college teacher, from Lansing, to Detroit to Dearborn, and have an inside perspective about how and if students come prepared academically from our K-12 system. I have also been politically active, organizing in the working class.”

Suzanne Roehrig, Wayne State University Board of Governors:

“I have worked in education for 25+ years and have seen working class families struggle to afford a college education. Education should be a right, free to all who desire to learn. I want to be the representing voice for working class families who are disenfranchised and struggling to afford a college education.”