The Militant(logo) 
    Vol.61/No.41           November 24, 1997 
 
 
Socialist Candidate Visits Amtrak Workers  
 BY J.B. PAYNE NEW YORK - On October 23, Socialist Workers Party mayoral candidate Olga Rodríguez made a campaign stop at Amtrak's Pennsylvania Station in New York. For an hour or so myself and a number of co-workers had an opportunity to speak with the candidate. Olga was eager to hear our views on a number of issues and explained how the goal of her campaign was to implement changes beneficial to working- class men and women.

In an age when most candidates surround themselves in a media circus, with "photo-ops" being the first order of business, her visit proved a pleasant deviation from the norm. The candidate took time to answer many questions "one on one" and showed a genuine concern when speaking with several members of the BMWE (track workers) regarding their impending strike at Amtrak. As an act of solidarity she vowed to "walk the line" with the workers should they be forced into a strike.

The visit had a most positive effect on those present. They found in Rodríguez not just another candidate but rather a fellow worker expressing some solid ideas for much needed change to improve the city for everyone, not just the few. It was a small step on a long road that more and more working people see as the path to follow.

J.B. Payne is a conductor at Amtrak.  
 
 
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