Economic and Social Justice

Eric has a strong commitment to economic and social justice, and has worked to implement public policy that empowers people, protects society’s most vulnerable members, while promoting civil rights and good jobs.

Eric is a strong supporter of the right of employees to form unions, and he believes that collective bargaining is an essential right and an important way for employees to ensure fair treatment on the job. Eric is a proud and active union member at his workplace.

He has supported University of Maryland AFSCME members and graduate student teachers in their struggles for recognition and better pay. Eric has also worked to see that College Park does business with companies that are socially responsible.

Professionally, Eric has worked in conjunction with organized labor fighting for improvements to the business models of some of the world’s largest “Big Box” stores. Eric believes that large, highly profitable corporations should be committed to providing good pay and health benefits, and should be responsible corporate citizens.

In 2005, Eric sponsored and passed a City resolution in support of raising the state minimum wage, which the Democratic State Legislature passed over Governor Ehrlich’s veto.

Eric believes in treating all members of society with respect and fairness. He is proud to have sponsored and passed a policy extending benefits to City of College Park employees’ domestic partners. Equality Maryland has noted Eric’s leadership on this issue of basic fairness.

As a member of the College Park City Council, Eric also has a long history protecting renters by fighting for better, safer living conditions in rental housing.