20 Questions
1. Why are you running for Arcata City Council?
I was having a conversation with a friend recently who said he'd been using his time during quarantine to reconnect with previous versions of himself. I enjoy that sentiment. One might say, that by running for Arcata City Council in 2020, I am reconvening with the spirit of my rabble-rousing former self.
There was a time when I was a highly motivated proponent of change. Unfortunately, the aftermath of 9/11 and an eventual passive return to the status quo allowed for an unfortunate slip into disillusion. The events of the past few months, however, have rekindled inspiration for what human beings are capable of. For the first time in decades I believe a better way is within reach.
Honestly this shouldn't be about me.
I believe it is all of our civic duty to protest conditions that have led us into the state we're currently experiencing. It doesn't matter upon what side of the fence one falls, there are now bigger things at stake and we should all be taking more personal responsibility. We are facing years of hardship. The old ways just won't cut it. I will bring new perspectives and unbridled enthusiasm, untainted by bi-partisan cultism, to the conversation about moving forward.
As an Arcata City Council member, I would embrace my roles as public servant, community representative and local ambassador, but most importantly, as a social activist and voice for the marginalized and underprivileged. My platform is about enacting creative, drastic and immediate (probably unpopular) concrete changes, recognizing that we, as humans, do not have the luxury of time. I am using my candidacy as an opportunity to express and demonstrate the need for radical and functional change, not just in government policy, but in self-awareness, individual behavior and culture.
2. Can you simplify your platform into three words?
Arts. Food. Housing.
3. Why should I vote for you?
I was born and raised in Arcata, and have always had my finger on the pulse of the local scene. I have travelled extensively through the county and recognize the importance of listening to those who came before. Additionally, respect for indigenous and marginalized voices are central to my value of intentional inclusion of all, by all. I believe in people over profits. I believe in the village model for taking care of community. I will remain humble as I take into account the needs of many, even while making decisions that will not please all.
4. Where have you stamped your time card?
I take pride in the fact that my employment history is an elaborate collaboration with small, local, family-owned businesses. The importance of Local is a defining element of my character. My Arcata employers have included: KHSU, Bless My Soul, Wildwood Music, Java Garage, Brio Breadworks, Beneficial Living Center, Radiant Assisted Living, Richards’ Goat & The Miniplex.
5. This is all gravy, but what are your qualifications?
I was on the Arcata Skate Park Committee Board of Directors for three years, early volunteer at The Placebo (another local non-profit,) a five-year member of the PDX Pop Now! booking committee (a non-profit based in Portland), and currently co-manage BPBS Arts and Media (which oversees on-location music/film productions, and coordinates tours and events).
These positions, whether volunteer or salaried, required impeccable organizational skills, punctuality, cooperation, compassion, creativity and improvisation. They are traits I would expect from anyone in public office.
6. Thoughts on the police?
Defund. Demilitarize. Duh.
7. What is your opinion on the state American democracy?
8. Who are your heroes?
My definition of a hero is: The first person in line with a hammer when a statue is built of that person.
9. So you identify as radical?
I’m a Digger and Structural Idealist. I don't believe in reforming, rather, dismantling and restructuring the existing social order to establish a level playing field. I support direct action. That said, I am no fan of knee-jerk reactionary-ism and short-term strategies. We must face the bigger picture.
Peers to the right probably see me as overtly radical. Friends on the left most likely think I'm too diplomatic and not extreme enough. In spirit, I still consider myself a long-standing member of the activist community. Though these days I prefer a measured and more practical approach.
Peers to the right probably see me as overtly radical. Friends on the left most likely think I'm too diplomatic and not extreme enough. In spirit, I still consider myself a long-standing member of the activist community. Though these days I prefer a measured and more practical approach.
10. You refer to yourself as a Digger. What's a Digger?
I draw great inspiration from their story and their values.
11. You call yourself a Structural Idealist. What is Structural Idealism?
12. What are the most important issues we are facing in the world?
13. Thoughts on the 2020 Presidential Election?
Of course, four more years means a continued downward spiral.
Neither of these are valid options.
Until the Electoral College is dissolved or we move away from plurality voting, my opinion is that third party candidates and write-ins are the only way to maintain democratic integrity while still voting one's conscience.
14. How can Arcata declare a climate emergency, but invest in [Chevron] one of the worst climate damaging companies?"
The question is a vital one. Declaring a climate emergency should not merely be a symbolic, yet hollow gesture. I am unashamedly committed to dissolving Arcata’s relationships with entities actively destroying the planet. Corporations survive on the backs of public funding. This includes corporations Arcata has previously invested in, while simultaneously making public statements against their practices (such as investing in General Electric while declaring Arcata a Nuclear Free Weapons Zone, or in Philip Morris while making proclamations against multinational tobacco companies targeting Humboldt’s youth). How, with Arcata’s tradition of being environmental champions, has a losing investment in Chevron gone unchallenged?
The question is a vital one. Declaring a climate emergency should not merely be a symbolic, yet hollow gesture. I am unashamedly committed to dissolving Arcata’s relationships with entities actively destroying the planet. Corporations survive on the backs of public funding. This includes corporations Arcata has previously invested in, while simultaneously making public statements against their practices (such as investing in General Electric while declaring Arcata a Nuclear Free Weapons Zone, or in Philip Morris while making proclamations against multinational tobacco companies targeting Humboldt’s youth). How, with Arcata’s tradition of being environmental champions, has a losing investment in Chevron gone unchallenged?
Arcata has over six million dollars in the Local Agency Investment Fund (LAIF) per the report given to all candidates by City staff last week. While stability and returns are important, diversification is also possible (with potentially even better returns), when focused on community values. The current emphasis on greater returns through risky investments in the waning oil industry is short-sighted, especially when viewed through the current market analysis (Chevron showed significant losses the past several years).
As representatives working for the people, it is financially irresponsible and morally questionable for a city that touts itself as “green” and “progressive” to continue investing in companies whose interests do not favor Arcata (or the world for that matter). The current city investment priorities are: Security, liquidity, and yield. While I heartily agree with these three priorities, I would suggest and emphasize a fourth... Community Interests.
Though it is not a simple task, I would strongly support diversification, including divesting funds from the LAIF and advancing community interests over big corporate interests (which invariably take money out of the area). Investing in our community would cultivate Arcata’s self-reliance and sustainability, keep our money local and send a clear message that Arcata’s investments reflect our values.
As representatives working for the people, it is financially irresponsible and morally questionable for a city that touts itself as “green” and “progressive” to continue investing in companies whose interests do not favor Arcata (or the world for that matter). The current city investment priorities are: Security, liquidity, and yield. While I heartily agree with these three priorities, I would suggest and emphasize a fourth... Community Interests.
Though it is not a simple task, I would strongly support diversification, including divesting funds from the LAIF and advancing community interests over big corporate interests (which invariably take money out of the area). Investing in our community would cultivate Arcata’s self-reliance and sustainability, keep our money local and send a clear message that Arcata’s investments reflect our values.
The statue debate, the Lawson case, the HSU skirmish, the climate emergency, the Village failure.
16. What’s your magic wand top 3 changes you’d make to Arcata?
1. Divest all investments in fossil fuels.
2. Close the Plaza to motor vehicles and decorate the city with public art.
3. A moratorium on rent, utilities and property taxes until after the pandemic.
17. Which Arcata services would you improve or reduce?
I would aim to improve recycling and garbage services, public transportation services, social services and public assistance programs.
18. What local news sources do you consider credible?
Well, I would be remiss if I did not mention the Union, as it has been the one local media source that made an effort to get to know the candidates. I believe the North Coast Journal is very well written. Times-Standard barely makes an effort anymore. Arcata High’s Pepperbox outshines that college rag without fail. I don’t engage with tabloids pretending to be news outlets, or blogs unless promoting art & music. The level of professionalism in local media leaves something to be desired.
19. Do you agree with Arcata’s long-term efforts to de-emphasize private vehicular travel in favor of alternative transportation?
We should be creating deterrents and discouraging car culture altogether.
20. If you aren't elected, will you still try to serve and improve Arcata?
1. Back in the day, city staff told members of the Arcata Skate Park Committee that it was a nice dream, but an “impossibility.” My efforts helped proved them wrong. Likewise, I believe a city-wide public arts program (such as in Eureka) is completely within reach, even if some consider it a vanity project. It begins with volunteers.
2. I will promote the economic vitality of Arcata, utilizing the connections and resources I gained from years of big city life, to embolden the local all-ages scene through public art/music/film events, and further solidify Arcata’s reputation as an artistic hub.
3. I will continue to make personal sacrifices and life choices that are in tandem with my values. I will strive to lower my personal environmental impact and strive for higher self-awareness.