MY TURN, Sakran: The power of optimism 

EDITOR’S NOTE:  Jason Sakran is running for the District 3 seat on Charleston City Council

By Jason Sakran, special to Charleston Currents  | If I didn’t know better, it would appear Charleston is suffering from so many problems and shortcomings that some believe our best days are behind us. 

Sakran

Based on the tone and tenor of some elected officials, candidates, and citizens — issues like flooding, affordable housing, crime, and over-development have become so powerful in themselves, they seem to drown out any discussion about hope, optimism and defining what our vision for Charleston 2050 is? 

Of course if I thought all things were great, I wouldn’t have decided to throw my hat in the ring and challenge incumbent Mr. James Lewis for the District 3 seat. The fact of the matter is we have some serious challenges to solve but no issue is more important and carries as much weight as our collective ability to dream, hope and think optimistically about our future.

Optimism and hope alone will not solve our most pressing issues but they sure do provide us the energy and occasional boost we need when things seem hopeless, out of reach and so monumental, we do not know where to begin. 

This election and who we choose to represent us shouldn’t be based solely on a candidates policy stance and it shouldn’t be based entirely on comfort or familiarity. Status quo comfort is part of the reason we find ourselves at this important crossroads as a city.

In order for us to prepare ourselves and chart a course for Charleston 2050, this election must be about leadership, experience and optimism. It must be about expecting and creating a brighter and better future for all of us. It must be about innovating, improving and transforming our city so we are well positioned for the next 30 years.

I have worked in this community for 15 years and there is no doubt that Charleston is a special place to call home. But for me, it is not the stately mansions, cobblestone streets, shimmering gas lanterns nor beaches that make it special — it is our people and the important stories each of us carries. 

Throughout my career, I have had the good fortune of working with talented, passionate people from all walks of life. It’s the stories they’ve shared with me that remind me that family, friends, an affordable place to live, a good job, a safe neighborhood and quality schools are core values and needs we all share. 

I am seeking this city council seat because at this moment, some of these core values and needs are under being threatened or in some cases, do not exist in certain parts of our community including portions of District 3. We can do better. I want to be apart of the conversation and effort to lead Charleston for the next 30 years. 

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