The candidates used a press conference at City Hall Annex to speak out on several crucial issues that affect working people and youth.

Ferguson, a pipe cutter and member of United Steelworkers of America Local 6635, spoke out in defense of affirmative action as a way to unite the working class in its fights against the bosses. Affirmative action programs in city contracts are under attack by the city administration. Houston residents rejected a ballot initiative in 1997 by opponents of affirmative action, defeating it by a margin of 54 to 46 percent.

Garza, a machinist and member of the International Association of Machinists Local 969, called for murder charges to be filed against the cops who killed Pedro Oregón in 1998. A federal grand jury announced charges today against two of six cops for violation of Oregón's civil rights by the cops illegally entering his brother's apartment without a warrant. None of the cops who shot Oregón have been charged.

Ferguson filed petitions containing 600 signatures, triple the amount required to get on the ballot. On September 27 the city secretary informed Ferguson that he will appear on the November ballot.  
 
 
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