Why I Am Running for Fresno City Council

When asked why they are running, other candidates for the District 3 City Council seat may tick off a similar list of named priorities. They might talk about economic development for everyone; affordable housing for families and investment; revitalization of Downtown Fresno, Central Fresno, Southwest Fresno, Chinatown, and the Tower District; protecting small businesses and residents from displacement; and extolling the transformative potential of high-speed rail to uplift our local economy. And while I agree these areas of concern must be addressed, they are not the only reasons why I am running. Most importantly, I am running to help build community with District 3 residents.

Today, we are in a strange period in America. Based on political malpractice taking place at the national level, many people at the local level are experiencing mixed emotions regarding their standing in America. On one hand, they feel almost embarrassed to be American because of the level of incivility and cruelty our politicians are demonstrating. On the other, they also feel grateful to live in a country whose governing principles are sufficiently aspirational that there is always hope "we the people" can make things better.

I am running to do my part.

I am not running as a progressive, moderate, liberal, Democrat, or Republican. I am running as a Citizen with a goal of connecting and gaining the support of fellow Citizens of District 3 who are open to building a community where people can speak freely without being attacked for what they believe and where the only faction is "citizen" so that one group cannot be pitted against another. I want our District 3 to be a place where all citizens feel welcome and where everyone can thrive.