I've decided to run for city council .

[Sean Reynolds]

I might only be 21 by the time elections roll around in 2005, but I do not think age will deter me from my political aspirations. I live in District 7 in Salt Lake City and have totally been troubled by recent actions by the city council members. They have ignored the truly pressing issues of the city and I feel it is time for a change. Will I win? I doubt it, but I've decided to build my campaign around 4 goals. Those goals are:

• Citizen input.
It is my belief that the people of Salt Lake City have no voice within the walls of city hall. For far too long the council has abolished the opinions of Salt Lakers to better their needs and beliefs.

• Restore Peace, Progress, and Prosperity to the council.
Last year Mayor Rocky Anderson urged the city council to join hundreds of American cities in opposition to the war in Iraq. The 7 member council voted unanimously against the act. Now Mayor Anderson has proposed legislation making Salt Lake City a Patriot Act free zone, but again the city council will probably unanimously oppose such a legislation. We need peace to better our world; we need progress to better our community; and we need prosperity to better our people. We will not have those 3 things with our current city council.

• Bring differing opinions to city hall.
Of all 7 members of the Salt Lake City council, NONE are of non-LDS faith. Of all 7 members of the Salt Lake City council, NONE are of color. Of all 7 members of the Salt Lake City council, ALL are conservative. The council does not represent the city to its fullest. Majority of Salt Lake City is NON-LDS. Majority of the city is NON-Conservative. A large minority (Hispanic) population continues to bloom. Though I am a white, male I feel the city council has ignored the problems of many citizens because the council doesn't share them. It is time we have a member that actually listens to the problems of EACH citizen, NOT just those of LDS faith, not just those that are white, Republican.

• Better District 7 and the city as whole.
SugarHouse has become a vital neighborhood in Salt Lake City. It is also the major retail hub of district 7. Not only that but it is home to one of Salt Lake City's largest gay populations, and home to Westminster College - a liberal arts college nationally known. Sadly District 7 is ignored as a whole by not only our current council member, but the council as a whole. The city council has its matters set on only two areas of the city; downtown, and west Salt Lake City. We elect our council member(s) to better our community, and the city. If they ignore the community in which elected them, they can't better the city. If elected I will put SugarHouse and District 7 first.
----

I plan on getting a website up and asking our mayor for help if he wins re-election in November. I've never ran for political office but I think it will be well worth the time and energy.

[JohnKleeb]

1. Good luck Sean

:hi: You know that Dennis Kucinich was around the same age when he ran first for city council. Good luck. I've never ran for any office in school and I dont plan to, I may just run for VP of young democrats and thats a maybe.

[Sean Reynolds]

7. Thanks!

[JohnKleeb]

8. Yea

I dont think I could ever run for politics unless I took charisma steroids :D hehe, my issues are clear cut but many would tell me I am unelectable :D hehe again.

[Sean Reynolds]

9. Anyone can win in local politics.

It's just getting out there and actually talking and relating with the people. You get enough support and you can win in an upset.

[JohnKleeb]

10. I need those personality steroids then

Because I am so shy. I can be quiet as death yet loud and rowdy as a drunk :) heh. First question is lol should I call my opponent a dirty rotten goddamned son of a bitch? Hey Harry Truman did it I bet.

[mikehiggins]

2. Good luck as a non-LDS candidate in Salt Lake CIty

You could pick a harder place to run a campaign, but I don't know where. Oh, maybe if you were a Mason you could run for Chancellor of the Vatican, that might be harder.

Make sure you post your website URL. If you have questions about politics as its played in the real world, as opposed to DU, drop me a line at [e-mail]

[Sean Reynolds]

4. Actually Salt Lake City has had non-LDS members before.

In the 90s the council was split almost down the middle between Mormon Republicans and liberal NON Mormons. With 7 members on the council, the lone 'middle of the road' council member was always being tugged around. So it *IS* possible. I also live in District 7, an area home to a large gay community as well as a young college community. It's just I need to get them out and vote.

[shance]

3. Thats great Sean!

I am glad to see DUers like you running***

Keep us posted.

[jiacinto]

5. Good Luck

I have some concerns. Do you know really know what you are getting into? Running for office is an expensive task that is very exhausting. If you do run for city council you will have no life for that election cycle and be forced to raise tons of money.

Just make sure you know how tough it is before you run.

[Sean Reynolds]

6. I understand and most of my campaign will be grassroots.

I'm going to go door to door and listen each votes concern. I don't believe I need big money to get the votes; just a strong vision in which voters can connect on.

[jiacinto]

11. It's going to take a lot more than that

Do you have a plan yet? Do you know how to fundraise? Do you know how to develop a GOTV plan? Do you know how to make a field plan?

[Sean Reynolds]

12. In time my friend.....

The election isn't until 2005. Again, it isn't like I'm running for mayor, or governor. Right now I work for the re-election campaign for Mayor Rocky Anderson. After this election I'm going to talk to him and his staff about starting a campaign for my run.

[HEyHEY]

13. Hey the MP in my area (Kinda Like a senator) was elected when he was 24

Good luck...some advice.
Begin Volunteer work now, go to council meetings constantly. Make your contacts now.

This is coming from a guy who's Dad is a council memeber.

[JohnKleeb]

15. Dont you about Bernadette Devlin, HeyHey

You have heard of her being Irish like me right? She was like 20 when she became an MP.

[HEyHEY]

16. See...badda boom !

Be sincere and they will come. Except in California

[Clete]

14. Great Sean.

You are a lot smarter and more politically educated than either our President or the new Governor of California. I think everyone should get all the experience they can at the earliest age they can. Good luck and I know you have everyone's blessings.

[Rowdyboy]

17. Good luck man...

I admire your passion. Look forward to seeing the race develop.

[Sean Reynolds]

18. Thank you.

I'm gonna hit you up with a PM in a sec, so be ready. ;-)

[MaineDem]

19. Excellent!

It's encouraging to see young people interested in the process.

I wish you tremendous luck. Enjoy every step!

[NYYFan]

20. Go Sean, GO !!

I just want you to know, good luck, we're all counting on you. ;-)

Seriously, stick to the issues, and you should do great. I only wish I could vote for you.

:hi:

[radwriter0555]

21. My best friend was the youngest person to ever be elected Mayor in Florida

at the age of 16 some years ago... he's pushing 40 now. He remained Mayor for 4 years I believe, and went off to Harvard... He is my house expert on Florida State Election law actually, and is an amazing resource.

Just make your positions important, and choose goals that are attainable. Then do what you promise to do. Don't be like a republican, be a real, honest, decent and considerate candidate.

[UrbScotty]

22. RUN SEAN, RUN!!!!!

You're smarter than many people two, three, even four times your age!

[goobergunch]

23. Good luck!

I'll see if I can dig up the 2000 and 2002 precinct voting information for Salt Lake City for you.

:thumbsup: :toast: :thumbsup:

[catzies]

24. As soon as you get your political ID number I'm sending a check!!!

Sean, you're an amazing young person and I'm very glad to know you.

I'm the local political action chaif for a caucus of a grassroots national organization that recruits, trains, and supports women candidates, but I can tell you that much of the advice I'd give to a woman candidate is the same I'd give you.


As we say here in the Lounge, "Ask me anything." ;)

SEAN REYNOLDS IN 2005.

[underpants]

25. Good for you

Now join some civic groups and perhaps the Better Business Bureau or some business related organization. Go gettum kid!