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Page 6 The Skanner Portland & Seattle June 21, 2023 News In a one-on-one interview with the Black Press of America, Kennedy spoke about his relentless focus on combating environmental racism, ending qualified immunity for law enforcement officers, and addressing the alarming racial disparities within the American medical system. By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia R obert F. Kennedy Jr., a member of the illustrious Ken- nedy dynasty, is making an unlikely run for the Democratic pres- idential nomination and has declared that he is steadfastly committed to continuing his family’s enduring legacy. In a one-on-one inter- view with the Black Press of America, Kennedy spoke about his relent- less focus on combating environmental racism, ending qualified immu- nity for law enforcement officers, and address- ing the alarming racial disparities within the American medical sys- tem. The 69-year-old Dis- trict of Columbia-born candidate said he’s cham- pioning causes that have plagued marginalized communities for far too long. His mission, he insist- ed, extends beyond rhet- oric, seeking to disman- tle systemic barriers and usher in a brighter, more equitable future, partic- ularly for African Amer- icans who have borne the brunt of injustice, including the problemat- ic issue of maternal mor- tality. As he steps onto the political stage where his uncle, John F. Kennedy, counts as one of the most popular presidents in American history and where his father had all but sewn up the Demo- crat nomination before his assassination in 1968, Kennedy’s audacious bid could challenge the status quo and spark a transformative move- ment that reverberates through the nation. “Black Americans are going to be a principal priority for me, particu- larly in ending that fear of dangerous interaction with law enforcement,” Kennedy asserted. He also pledged a move to end qualified immuni- ty, which protects police officers from personal liability in the event of a lawsuit. “There is no incentive for individuals to change bad behavior,” Kennedy remarked. “We need systemic changes. We need to re- move qualified immu- nity, which would make it necessary for an in- dividual to consider his Department of Consumer and Business Services Oregon Building Codes Division Building safer communities! A properly permitted project completed by licensed contractors protects your investment. Building Codes Division (BCD) creates the foundation for safe, efficient, affordable buildings in Oregon. Permits ensure that a project is being completed to the latest safety standards. Specialty contractors like electricians and plumbers must also maintain the proper licenses with BCD. Verifying a license is quick and easy. A few minutes of research on our website today can prevent problems tomorrow. For questions or more information, please call (503) 378-4133. www.oregon.gov/bcd dcbs.oregon.gov PHOTO VIA NNPA The Underdog Presidential Candidate, RFK Jr. and His Pledge to Black America Robert F. Kennedy Jr. liability with every inter- action. Every good eco- nomic system [should] incentive good behavior and punish bad behavior. We need to have that.” Kennedy added that there’s a need for a reor- ganization of police to understand the mission of protecting and serv- ing “instead of being in “ favorably by 49% of re- spondents and unfavor- ably by just 30%, leaving him with a net rating of 19 points—higher than any other candidate in the poll, which surveyed 1,500 adult respondents from June 10 to 13. Further, Biden had a negative 9-point net fa- vorability rating, with Black Americans are going to be a principal priority for me, particularly in ending that fear of dangerous inter- action with law enforcement combat mode when they come into the Black com- munity.” One of the children of the late Sen. Robert Ken- nedy, who was assassi- nated in 1968, Kennedy announced his presiden- tial candidacy earlier this year. His father and uncle, John F. Kennedy, both demonstrated a desire for a united and strong America, which he said inspired him. Despite his anti-vac- cine views that have caused controversy, some surveys have giv- ing Kennedy as much as 20 percent support among Democrats. His unlikely challenge to the incumbent Presi- dent Joe Biden has gained steam. A poll by The Econo- mist and YouGov showed that Kennedy was viewed 52% of respondents view- ing him somewhat or very unfavorably. In comparison, 45% have very or somewhat favorable impressions, and Trump had a nega- tive 10-point net rating, with 53% viewing him unfavorably and 43% fa- vorably. “Could Bobby Kennedy catch a spark? Maybe,” Michael Novogratz, a billionaire Democratic donor who supported Biden in 2020 but has pledged not to back any candidate older than 72, told the New York Times. “He’s alienated him- self because of some of the anti-vax positions, but he is a bright man, articulate, eloquent, con- nected, has the Kennedy name, and would pull a lot of the Trump voters.” Meanwhile, Kennedy said he’d also work to end medical racism “en- trenched in our medical system in this country.” He noted a recent video See RFK on page 7 INVITATION TO BID ITB #23-01: FOURTH PLAIN AND STAPLETON INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS Notice is hereby given that sealed bids will be received by the City of Vancouver, Washington, for ITB 23-01: Fourth Plain and Stapleton Intersection Improvements bids up to the hour of 11:00 a.m., Pacific Local Time, Tuesday, July 11, 2023 and will publicly open and read aloud at that time on the same day in the Vancouver City Hall, 415 W 6th St, Vancouver, Washington and via an online platform. This Contract provides for the improvement of the Fourth Plain and Stapleton Road intersection within the City of Vancouver including signing, striping, signals, and other work, all in accordance with the attached Contract Plans, these Contract Provisions, and the Standard Specifica- tions. The Contract Work shall be Physically Complete within 40 Working Days from the Notice to Proceed date. The City of Vancouver in accordance with the provisions of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (78 Stat. 252,42 U.S.C. 2000d to 2000d-4) and the Regulations, hereby notifies all bidders that will affirmatively ensure that any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, dis- advantaged business enterprises will be afforded full and fair opportunity to submit bids in response to this invita- tion and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, or national origin in consideration for an award. The City of Vancouver is committed to providing equal opportunities to State of Washington certified Minority, Disadvantaged and Women’s Business Enterprises in contracting activities. (Section 4 of Chapter 56, Laws of 1975, 1st Ex. Sess., State of Washington). Bidding documents may be obtained from the City of Vancouver Procurement Services website at: https://city- ofvancouver.bonfirehub.com/portal/?tab=openOpportu- nities. These are available for viewing, downloading and printing on your own equipment, free of charge. 6-21-23