PTP Profile: Richard

richard

Q: Tell me a little about yourself.

I grew up outside of Detroit, Michigan. I got my undergraduate degree at Western Michigan University, where I majored in Political Science and minored in International Studies. I chose those subjects because I was always interested in politics and how the government works and how the whole world functions. I wanted to learn about other cultures and how people think and react in certain areas in political aspects. In my free time I like to play video games and watch tv.

Q: When did you first become interested in politics?

The 2004 election. I was really interested in what was going on at that time and who everybody running for office was, and I remember being really disappointed when Bush won again. I was really in tune with watching the news at that time too. Before, I did not really pay attention to the news other than sports, and whenever I heard something on the news it was always about something negative. Once I started keeping up with politics, I formed my own political opinion, and also my family played a part.

Q: Why did you decide to join PTP?

I wanted a new challenge. In the past I worked on candidate elections, but nothing where the main objective of the campaign was getting people to vote and conversing with people about why they vote and what their concerns are, both at the national and local political level. Before, I hadn’t had much of an opportunity to do something like that, and instead was just saying “Hey how you doing– vote for this guy” and be done.

Q: How have your past experiences helped prepare you as a Field Rep?

I worked for a state house race back in Michigan, did some city council stuff, and I did some work with the Obama campaign in 2012. From those experiences, I learned what to expect from people. For example, some people will be really receptive and knowledgeable, but then others will have no idea about certain issues so you will have to inform them about it. I also learned about what to look for in the neighborhoods I’m canvassing in that can help me do my job, and how to be aware of my surroundings in order to say the right things to people and communicate effectively.

Q: What was the most memorable encounter you’ve had with someone while working as a field rep?

A few days ago actually I was talking with these two people about the election and we got into a conversation about the Black Lives Matters movement. We had a great conversation about it and other things that were relevant and currently going on, which was overall a positive experience.

Q: Assuming you became President tomorrow and had the ability to immediately pass one law, what would it be?

I’d want to lessen the prison population by forgiving low level crimes and reducing the incarceration rate. We’re spending more on prisons than education at this point, which I think needs to be fixed. We must make re-entry back into society for ex-criminals, specifically for those incarcerated for low level drug possession, easier, without a criminal record holding them back. I would want to build the structures necessary to make sure that people can avoid prison and make it actually be a system of rehabilitation.

Q: What’s the one thing you can’t live without?

My phone. It’s bad saying it, but I use it for everything.

Q: Trapped on an island with no escape, what are 3 things you want with you?

A big book, a radio, and some kind of ball that I could use to make up some kind of game by myself.