Hey John,
I launched my campaign for Mayor of Clarkston in the summer of 2013 at 30 years old. So many people told me I was crazy –– and I probably was –– for running at that age, against an incumbent 40 years my senior.
But I didn’t care. For me, it was never about collecting a title. I ran because I wanted to advance the issues, create debate, bring our community together and move Clarkston forward with progressive reforms for the good of all our neighbors.
After I won and was sworn in, I got right to work doing just that. I started by putting an end to the moratorium on refugee resettlement put in place by the previous administration. I knew we had to end the moratorium and once again embrace the spirit that has made Clarkston such a welcoming and compassionate community for years.
Along the way, I met Birendra Dhakal, someone you can learn more about in this short PBS documentary about Clarkston from 2012.
His personal story of persecution and persistence as a New American in this country is amazing and is one that I can’t and shouldn’t tell for him, so definitely check out the documentary.
What I can say is Birendra was very involved in politics in his home country of Bhutan, a passion he carried with him as he started a new life with his family in Clarkston. He started a citizenship class for his fellow new Americans and helped them register to vote once they became citizens.
I was so inspired by his commitment to public service that I talked him into running for City Council that year. Here we are after a campaign strategy planning session one evening.
