Local elections often have low turnout, despite the fact that local government holds great responsibilities that effect every day life. While federal elections are important, who we elect as President or to Congress does not have a say in how are neighborhoods are zoned or if municipal services are run adequately. In short, it is critical that we as Democrats pay attention to every office that is on the ballot, as decision making at every level of government counts for something.
My name is Chaise Rasheed and I am running for Thousand Oaks City Council. Thousand Oaks is a city of nearly 129,000 people just outside of Los Angeles, and we are known for our scenic atmosphere and safe streets. I was compelled to run for office after the weakening of our city's oak tree ordinance led to the destruction of 100 trees at a local shopping center and after realizing just how much special interest campaign money influences our city's politics. It is also my belief that government needs more realness and less pretense.
I ran last year for council and received a positive response from many people in my community, which compelled me to run again for council in a special election this year. The top issues in my platform are protecting the city's environmental heritage, improving public transportation and working towards more affordable housing. For almost 5 years, I have been a contributor to Swing State Project/Daily Kos Elections, giving my two cents on redistricting and elections.
As to my political experience, I sit on the Services Committee of the state's Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, and I have also participated in the city of Thousand Oaks' visioning process for the next 50 years. In addition to that, I have donated my time to the campaigns of Representative Julia Brownley, State Senator Fran Pavley and Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin, as well as worked with a local church to sort and distribute clothing for those in need.
On June 2nd, I will be the only Democrat on the ballot. Although this is a non-partisan race and no partisan affiliations will appear on the ballot, the presence of Rob McCoy on the ballot will give this race a partisan tinge. McCoy ran for Assembly last year against Jacqui Irwin, in what was a tough and expensive race. In that race, he received backing from Rick Perry and Rand Paul, so it would not be surprising if he tapped into that support again, even for a council race. McCoy is an extremely conservative Republican, who was recorded at a Tea Party rally calling for Social Security to be abolished. There are two other Republicans running in this race, so the possibility of a split vote is on the table and that gives me more of a chance of winning. The winner of this race could win with as little as 26% of the vote, so I am out trying to consolidate every vote that I can, because every vote will count. Turnout will likely be low, but I am up for the challenge.
If you are able to chip in towards my effort, I would greatly appreciate any amount you can spare. My goal is to hit $1,000 in donations by the first filing deadline of April 23rd. http://chaise-rasheed.weebly.com/...
I will be running a clean, grassroots campaign that aims to reach as many voters as possible.