quick links
The questions...
Why are you running?
In April, I decided to run for city council. Since founding a nonprofit in 2007, I had become more and more interested in local politics and getting involved in grassroots efforts. I was doing a lot of education and outreach, but I knew the laws needed to change or our sustainability would be delayed.
It takes public will to change the laws, but it takes leadership, too. We need new leadership to change the laws. I started to lobby the state for equitable climate change solutions, immersed myself in an education on local issues, and started reaching out to national groups. I'm running for office because I think it's a good way to make progress on changing the laws.
What do you want to see happen?
Before I answer the question, you can take a look at my platform to see some of my plans for accomplishing this vision.
I want to see Fayetteville build on what it already has to make more progress. We have a great community here, and we need to continue to pursue the things that make this a wonderful place to live. I want to see realistic conversations about handling projected growth, because we need to make sure and plan how we handle it.
I want to see Fayetteville address affordability holistically, with a focus on alternative transportation, mixed-use development, and impact "feebates". I want to see more recycling, and I think it can even be profitable. I want to see the University and the city partnering to promote downtown to new students. I want to see a public school system that builds upon and leverages existing amenities.
I want to see honest and frank discussion, and I want to see efficient discussion. I want to see the implementation of our 2025 vision.
I see it all happening, and I see a vibrant and rich cultural experience for us and our children. Do you see it? Will you help me build it?
How can I help?
If we share a vision for Fayetteville's future, then we can work together to make it happen. I am already working on it, and there are lots of ways that I could use your help. Just click the link below and I'll explain.
What about <insert current issue>?
What about the trails funding... or the government channel... or the Regional Mobility Authority... or the sewer project?
I get asked for my opinion on a lot of things. That's part of being a candidate.
opinions on common issues
Do you think there's anything to this "green economy" stuff?
Definitely, and it's the biggest economic opportunity we have had since World War II.
It's simple. Saving ourselves from severe climate change is going to take a lot of work. We have to install a lot renewable energy, change the ways we do business, and weatherize millions of buildings. Since there is so much work to do, that means that there are a lot of jobs for Arkansan workers.
Even in Northwest Arkansas, we have a lot of buildings to weatherize and retrofit. We could save our construction jobs, and keep the skilled labor force that forms our tax base. Doing our part to build the green economy is a keystone step to ensuring the sustainability of our tax base.
What do you do for a living?
For the past year, this has been a hard answer for me. I've been starting two of my own businesses: a nonprofit for climate change solutions and a for-profit web marketing firm.
I still do some web design, but now I'm a full-time organizer for equitable climate change solutions. In addition to running for office, I'm spending a lot of time writing, lobbying, creating events, and running workshops.
I believe that Fayetteville can fix its problems, build on its success, and be a leader for town planning and climate change. I'm working in every possible way to bring Arkansas a green jobs revolution.
What leadership experience do you have?
It started when I was young, in Boy Scouts and in Tae Kwon Do. I was a leader and instructor for a long time, and that continued as I grew older. I've got about 10 years cumulative as a leadership trainer, wilderness guide, ethics instructor, and martial arts trainer. Lately I've been running a lot of meetings, facilitating planning sessions, and performing outreach.
That's the short answer. I'll post a longer answer in a blog post soon.
Where did you get your education?
I have been a nontraditional learner my whole life. My dad tried to teach me Algebra in the third grade, and I've always had a pretty geeky extracurricular life.
I ended up going to the Arkansas School for Math and Science for my junior and senior years of high school, and the experience blew me away. I was really challenged by ASMS, but I came out on top, with a lot of great friends and a fantastic education.
I then came to the University for a year, but I just wasn't inspired. I felt like the classes went too slow or were too shallow, and I wasn't willing to slow down and "pay my dues" as a freshmen and sophomore. I decided to drop out and indulge my entrepreneurial inclinations.
It's been pretty successful, and my web businesses is keeping me sheltered and fed. The past year things have really picked up, and I have developed a fascination with helping to create real and lasting change.
I read a lot every week, and I annotate everything I see on the Internet. Then I go back and study it. Finally, I follow through with people and get to the source. That's where my education comes from.
What community service experience do you have?
For this answer, check out my bio.
