Indiana

Two generations ago, a young couple moved to Indiana seeking a better life for their family. With their roots as Mexican immigrants, in their own ways, each of them made a lasting contribution to their country. Prisoner of war Albert Velasquez, fought in France for freedom against the Nazis on the front lines of World War II. His wife, Carmen Velasquez, fought her own battles closer to home in Marion for the civil rights of migrant farm workers.

Albert and Carmen were my grandparents. Their efforts created the opportunity for me to find success in my own small business. Their example inspired me to serve my community as a member of the Indianapolis City-County Council.

I believe that in our country, everyone who is willing to work hard and play by the rules should be able to create a better future for their children and grandchildren, no matter how humble their beginnings. But as I look around our city, I’m increasingly concerned by the economic realities so many of our neighbors are confronted with.

Too many workers have toiled for years at companies like Carrier Corp., only to be discarded by employers who are more concerned with making a quick and easy buck than investing in the community. Too many students know that graduating from high school won’t be enough to start building careers with good-paying jobs, but they can’t afford to make the necessary investments in their future because college is too expensive. Too many seniors, who have spent a lifetime working for their families, are finding it harder to get by on the Social Security benefits they’ve earned.

It is with the struggles of these Hoosiers foremost in mind that I’ve listened carefully to the different presidential candidates who want our votes in the upcoming primary here in Indiana. It’s clear to me that the Republican candidates, Donald Trump, Ted Cruz and John Kasich, would actually make life harder for those struggling in our state. While I respect Hillary Clinton, I do not think the incremental approach she is advocating will be enough to bring the changes we need.

I’m convinced that only Bernie Sanders has a bold enough vision to meet the challenges so many of our neighbors face as they try to create a better future for their families. He understands that we need to change the warped incentives that have led companies like Carrier to ship jobs overseas, which is why he opposes bad trade deals. Sanders recognizes that making higher education accessible to everyone is as important in today’s economy as ensuring that every child could graduate high school, which is why he is calling for tuition-free public college. He understands the importance of making sure every American who spends a lifetime working hard can retire with dignity and basic economic security, which is why he will fight to expand Social Security benefits to keep pace with high medical costs our seniors face today.

Fundamentally, Sanders shares the belief so many of us have in our country, that we should have in place a government that allows people the freedom to secure their own futures. In too many instances, the rules we have in place today serve the most well-off and do not provide enough opportunities for everyone else to create a future they can believe in. Bernie Sanders is the best person to change that.

Zach Adamson, vice president, Indianapolis City-County Council