Webber offers needed innovation

I come from a long line of New Mexicans. I grew up learning about one ancestor who was a governor during Spanish rule and another who was a priest, his face and name still on a statue that stands on our Plaza.

My interest in politics started four years ago, when I was 15 years. One thing led to another. I ended up watching “Alan for NM - Add Your Voice.” In this video, Alan Webber talked about founding “Fast Company” magazine, looking at old problems with fresh eyes, and bringing together the most innovative people.

I had always been interested in innovation and technology, never missing the livestream of Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC) — where they introduce the latest hardware and software. I heard Alan speak about government as an operating system and wanting to make it more user friendly. I felt the same way as when I begged my parents to take me to the Apple Store to see the first generation iPhone — inspired.

I needed to become involved. I started to intern for Alan’s governor’s campaign. My interest in public service accelerated. I declared my major in political science, became a member of the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Board, interned for other political candidates, and joined the ranks of the Santa Fe Volunteer Fire Department.

I am endorsing Alan Webber for Mayor because I believe he is the most capable person to preserve the best of our history and make the change that we need.

Alan knows that Santa Fe needs innovation. He also knows that we need to preserve what is unique about our beautiful city — our culture, land, history and traditions. Whether we think of ourselves as the City of Holy Faith or the City Different, we all agree there is something unique in our air that makes us one of the most distinctive small cities in America.

I have been canvassing almost every weekend with Alan. Once when we were on the south side, an elderly couple invited us into their household to show us their special rock collection. Before saying goodbye, the woman gave us more information on the rocks and a rock each for ourselves.

A month later, when I was out with Alan, he pulled out a pen from his left pocket and — accidentally — the same rock the woman gave him. I was surprised that he still held on to his rock nearly an entire month later. I had not kept mine.

To me this shows who Alan is — a strong-minded man but a person with great interest in everyone he meets. Alan is willing to listen to others, respect them and try new things. Rank him first on your ballot for mayor.