OntheWilderSide

Kenniss Henry, mother of deceased Green Party Senate candidate Natasha Pettigrew, filed her certificate of candidacy Monday afternoon to fill the nomination left vacant by the death of her daughter last week. Pettigrew was bicycling along the shoulder of Route 202 in Prince George’s County when she was hit early last Sunday morning by an SUV. She died last Monday night from injuries sustained in the accident.

The party’s Coordination Council unanimously approved Henry’s nomination on Sunday and has submitted nomination papers on her behalf. “The Maryland Green Party is grateful to Natasha’s mother Kenniss Henry for filling the vacancy left by Natasha’s untimely passing”, said Brian Bittner, Co-Chair of the Maryland Green Party.

“I can think of no greater honor than to run my daughter’s race to the finish line, Henry said. “I am and shall always remain dedicated to easing the plight of the people. I shall continue her race as she started; running for the people!”

As for the focus of her campaign, Henry stated that “I shall adopt Natasha’s campaign issues as my own. In addition, we all must share common facilities such as our roads and I am committed to bringing about changes to the current laws so that we protect everyone.” Natasha’s platform can be found at http://natashaforsenate.com.

In honor of her daughter, Henry also seeks to bring attention to bicycle safety and the need for bicycle lanes on all Maryland roadways.

“One of Natasha’s pet peeves was the lack of proper bike lanes. I intend to be her voice of advocacy fighting to bring bike lanes to full fruition”, Henry noted. “Thanks to the Green Party for their vote of confidence in my daughter and now in me.”

“Natasha’s supporters will still have an opportunity to make their voice heard by casting a vote as her mother carries her message forward to the election,” said Karen Jennings, Co-Chair of the Maryland Green Party.  “Even in her death, Natasha’s voice and passion will carry on.”

The Maryland Green Party also nominated candidates for the United States Senate in 2004 and 2006.

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Filed under: 3rd party, activism, election, Election 2010, elections, grassroots democracy, Green Party, News, politics, Press Release, progressive politics, Senate, US Politics Tagged: | bicycle, green, Kenniss Henry, maryland, Maryland Green Party, Natasha Pettigrew, Sport utility vehicle, United States Senate