Name: Junaid Ahmed

Position for which you are a candidate: U.S. Congress, from the 8th District

 

Why are you seeking this position?

To be clear, I never intended to run for Congress – so, please pardon me if I am not as polished as professional politicians.

While being a candidate is new for me, community service is not. My family and I volunteer in two soup kitchens, participate in meals on wheels, and aid in local natural disaster relief efforts. I’ve organized rallies for universal healthcare. And I helped successfully lobby the state to shut down an ICE detention center. (I even helped elect my opponent – back before he started taking Corporate PAC money).

When you’re a volunteer, taking action on the ground – you go through cycles of cynicism and optimism. You can’t help but notice that you’re never doing enough _ and others (in Congress) aren’t doing much at all.

But now is not a time for cynism. Our country faces serious problems that demand immediate action.

So, I’m stepping to demand action from politicians in D.C.

 

What experience and background do you have which qualifies you for this position?

Let me first reaffirm everything I mentioned above: While being a candidate is a new experience for me – activism, charity, and community service are not. I was a big brother to middle school students during college. My family and I volunteer in two soup kitchens, and we are a part of a team that delivers food every weekend to the homeless community across the area. I am the Chairman of our Local Boy Scouts troop. I volunteer in local natural disaster relief efforts. I organized rallies in support of universal healthcare. And I helped successfully lobby the state government to shut down an ICE detention center.

 

I’m also an active participant in Democratic activities — often volunteering for candidates who I believe shared my values. I am proud of that work, but I cannot deny how disappointed I often feel towards our representatives in Congress — some of whom I personally worked to elect (that includes the incumbent). Even the best-intended folks often give in to the broken system in Washington.  As a volunteer, activist, and voter, I’ve seen how the political systems corrupt good people and I’ve felt the disappointment that comes when your elected officials let you down. That’s why I’m running eyes wide open and committed to fixing Washington.

 

What will be your highest priorities if elected?

Answer 1: High property taxes are the top concern voters present to me and my team. I’ve got good news and bad news for everyone. The good news: this is a problem we can fix. And the bad news: it’s gonna take hard work that forces politicians in D.C. to have some important conversations with their constituents. But I’m ready to tackle this problem – at its root and with immediate solutions designed to relieve middle-income taxpayers.

Answer 2: The climate crisis is the single most important problem. Congress must do whatever it takes to pass meaningful, effective legislation right now. The legislation must build a green economy that relies entirely on renewable energy;  that allows people to be people, not just workers; that is built on 21st-century infrastructure that’s not crumbling to the ground, and that can keep churning during global crises – so we can take care of ourselves when supply chains stop.

Answer 3: My biggest issue is the inaction in D.C. I’m ashamed to say that only catastrophic events have inspired Democrats and Republicans to address big problems in recent years (9/11, the ‘08 market crashes, and pandemic relief). A system that only works during crises is no system at all. I’m running to fix it so politicians spend more time solving problems than running for reelection. We do that with campaign finance reform, term limits, and by engaging voters in the political system every day – not just when we need their votes or money.

 

 

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