I was born in a mountainous region of Northern Thailand in 1980. My family, along with many Mien and other mountain ethnic groups, had fought for the U.S. during Vietnam and were forced to leave their previous home of Laos during the 1960s. At barely two months old, my family resettled in one of the few internationally sanctioned refugee camps in Thailand. We remained there as refugees for 8 months before being given the opportunity to immigrate to the U.S.
In 1986, my family moved to Shasta County. Here, we resided in one of Redding’s most poverty stricken and crime infested neighborhoods during the late 80s. Moreover, as a teen, I experienced many difficulties relating to gangs and racism within Shasta County. Despite the many difficulties that I faced during this time, I persevered through it all and was able to graduate from Enterprise High School and earn a bachelor’s degree from Westwood College in Denver, Colorado.
Currently I work for the Smart Business Resource Center in Redding as a Program Adviser. One of my job duties includes working as a liaison to promote programs and resources that aid local businesses to grow and expand. Moreover, I am also one of the cofounders of Shasta Business Builders and a former board member of the Youth Violence Prevention Council.
Voters should vote for me because I have no affiliations with any special interest groups. I look at issues from an unbiased point of view, and I will always consider all perspectives before making a decision on a vote. As a city council member I will always vote for what’s best for our city’s residents.
The first priority of mine would be to examine the budget very carefully to find funds to support a fully staffed police and fire department, as well as find ways to balance the budget. This is not an easy task, but it is a much needed one. The second priority would be to immediately deploy city representatives or liaisons to work directly with the business community. It’s important for the city to aid businesses as much as possible and to show support as much as possible. This should result in an environment productive to current businesses, as well as new businesses. My third priority would be to balance the budget and pave the way for responsible fiscal management of city funds for years to come. It is important for us to prepare for tough economic times that may confront us in the future.
In conclusion, what it comes down to is that I am the average Redding resident. I am running for city council because I feel that the voices of most Redding residents have not been heard and have been ignored. Although I have no political experience, that might not be such a bad thing. Perhaps we need more regular folks that are trustworthy on the city council. Vote for me and “let’s make it happen.”
Editor’s note: You can find more statements from Redding City Council candidates in A News Cafe’s Village Voices section, and check out Doni Greenberg’s coverage of a recent candidates forum here.
A News Cafe, founded in Shasta County by Redding, CA journalist Doni Greenberg, is the place for people craving local Northern California news, commentary, food, arts and entertainment.
