San Jose City Council candidate Jake Tonkel discussed COVID-19 recovery strategies and having labor and environmental values when he appeared on America’s Work Force Radio Podcast on Aug 12.
As a current City Council candidate working towards being elected, Tonkel is focusing on how he can improve the lives of the constituents he is hopeful to represent.
With the COVID-19 pandemic putting many out of work, Tonkel said about 20 percent of Santa Clara County residents do not have more than $400 in savings. Once rent payments and other bills resume, Tonkel is worried many of his constituents will face an inevitable eviction.
Since the cost of living in San Jose is so high, the average family living in the area only makes about two-thirds of what is necessary to afford their bills.
With San Jose being a labor friendly area, Tonkel believes a Green New Deal is possible and will be beneficial to those living in the area. The good paying jobs will help residents find valuable employment and stimulate the local economy.
With the pandemic causing an economic nightmare, Tonkel discussed recovery plans for digging out of the current situation.
He said green values and a labor-friendly government will be the driving factors towards economic recovery. He added that any relief plan needs to be centered around racial justice and equitable, as minorities and disadvantaged communities have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic.