Asa's Perspective

Community Governance

A democracy where money moves policy and people don't is no democracy at all. For years, our local government has stripped our ability to give meaningful public input and actually have a say in decisions that affect us, all in the name of "efficiency." All the while, initiatives we badly need are pushed back for "lack of capacity." Asa understands that the City Council can be an effective implement for change in the hands of our community, but only when we as a community can grasp it. As city councilor, Asa will facilitate community connection and deepen political engagement by

• Introducing measures to mandate community engagement by City Councilors through public calendars, Ward Meetings, and Public Forums; fighting against the advancing of initiatives without working to fully involve the community.
• Re-introducing advisory boards and other community bodies; empowering them to give members of the community a real, meaningful hand in our governance.
• Centering cooperation and effective governance in the interests of working families and retirees; ending the gridlock.
• Ensuring a clear, effective process for assessing the performance of the City Manager and City staff.

Systemic Issues, Systemic Solutions

Corvallis' struggles are not unique to Corvallis—they are the struggles of every small American city in a system where big businesses have the final say in things. Outside firms and investors withhold development and economic stimulus unless we bend over backwards to appease them. As City Councilor, Asa will focus on

• Addressing the roots of our problems without placing the burden on working families and retirees.
• Making sure large community stakeholders like businesses and the university contribute their fair share.

Some say that as a city, we need to "focus more inward." But how can we do that when state-level legislation prevents our city government from addressing our needs? Our city government needs to be involved as a whole in lobbying for state-level change. As City Councilor, Asa will push to lobby Oregon to

• Allow city governments to implement common-sense rent controls.
• Remove the cap on the property tax for non-residential land.

A Corvallis Welcoming to All

Our most vulnerable peoples are under attack by the federal government at this time of mounting fascist threat. We in Corvallis cannot stand down when it is critical to defend and expand women's, people of color's, immigrants', people with disabilities', and queer struggles for equity and rights. As City Councilor, Asa will fight to

• Oppose the federal government's attack on our civil and democratic rights; ensure the democratic participation of all in our community.
• Oppose the federal government's attack on our public lands and environment; protect our air, water, and natural spaces.
• Work with community partners to keep us safe and keep ICE out of our community.