It is time for a person with vision who can bring all sides of an issue into a clarified and cohesive whole. I am a person who lives inclusion. I have the ability to create honest dialogue between various views rather than mutual monologues. I can bring together a variety of people who hold diverse views and create ways for them to hear each other.
I have demonstrated these abilities through my long-time involvement in the southwest community councils, in neighborhood planning efforts, and in projects such as the Inclusion Solution and Powerful Partners for Powerful Youth. Furthermore, my civic involvement in these various community projects has helped me develop extensive familiarity with community resources and good working relationships with members of community organizations and city officials.
Because I am willing to do more than merely talk about the problems we face, I can assist this city of forward thinking people to look at a variety of ways we can address the issues of our physical community, such as transportation, energy, and housing as well as those issues that impact heavily on our human community.
The youth violence we saw during WTO, Mardi Gras, the recent renewal of gang activity, and the very real issues of racism and accountability are all a manifestation of an underlying sense held by most citizens that they are not being heard. I can help change that perception and create real communication between seemingly opposing groups.
In summary, my ability to inspire individuals and agencies to a cooperative effort through meaningful discourse as well as my past experience in coordinating community projects makes me an ideal candidate for this position.