One More Week, more than 1,000 doors, and countless conversations about Astoria’s future. I’m proud of the work we’ve done, grateful for your support, and ready to bring that same commitment to serving our city.
We’ve knocked on more than 1,000 doors. We’ve run radio and newspaper ads, met with community leaders and business owners, and listened to people across Astoria tell us what they love about this town and what they need from their city.
I believe we have a very good chance of winning.
I’m proud of this campaign. I’m grateful for the support of a former U.S. congressman, a county commissioner, a sitting city council member, our local union, and so many neighbors who have put their trust in me. I’m grateful to everyone who opened a door, put up a sign, made a donation, or gave their time. You deserved that effort. Anyone asking for the responsibility of serving this city should be willing to put in the work. To me, that’s what the democratic process asks of us: show up, listen, learn, and give everything you can to help make your community better. This past week reminded me how many ways there are to do that.
Monday, I interviewed Betty Aho-Bagley, a Korean War veteran about her experience. I did this through our nonprofit Rogue Cell because we believe it is important to get these stories before they’re gone. We will edit her interview down, put it on our social media, and send it to the Library of Congress for posterity. Later, I sat on the other side of the microphone when Patty Rose interviewed me for his podcast, Spent the Rent.
Tuesday, I went back to Tongue Point Job Corps. I’m happy to share that I’ll be starting work there in early November, helping students earn their GEDs. I haven’t talked much about this during the campaign, but I was homeless at 17 after my dad went to jail. Someone from the congregation of my church had a small mother-in-law studio on their property. I was lucky enough to move in, finish high school, and join the Army. That chance changed my life. The military was my path forward. Other young people need other paths. Job Corps gives students a place to live, support, an education, and training for work they can build a life around. It also helps prepare the skilled workers our communities need. I’m looking forward to being part of that work and helping students find their path ahead in life.
Wednesday, our street team finished its final round of door knocking, taking us past 1,000 doors. Behind that number are conversations about rent, water bills, potholes, slides, small businesses, and whether people who work here can afford to stay here. I will remember this experience and be better for it.
Thursday, I joined other veterans, historians, and city staff to help plan the Doughboy Statue’s 100th anniversary. Sunday night, local bands The Something Ain’t Rights, Joe “Bear” McKinney, The Dumpies, and other bands played at the American Legion for a great Get Out and Vote concert. Thanks to all who played, helped, and came out. I invited all the candidates in the hopes we could bring everyone together and celebrate democracy. Councilor Liz Adams was the only one to show up.
For nine months, I’ve done my best to listen, learn, and be prepared to lead. I’ve come away with a deeper understanding of the job and an even stronger belief in the people who call Astoria home. Many of you have already returned your ballots. Thank you. If yours is still on the kitchen counter, there’s time to make your voice heard. Return it by November 3.
This week, I hope to make it to the “I Voted” party Tuesday night at Brūt Wine Bar. Wednesday at 6 p.m., I’ll be at the American Legion for the launch of Issue 2 of Ataraxia Quarterly, the small local literary magazine I put together. Our guest editor, local poet Vee Lind, helped shape this issue around celebrating women. I hope you’ll join us.
We’ve put everything we could into this campaign, and I feel good about the work we’ve done. Now we carry that effort through the final week.
Thank you for opening your doors, sharing your concerns, and believing in what we can accomplish together.
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