The weather was on our side during CLCV’s “walk day” for California Assembly candidate Phil Ting.
But the hills weren’t always so cooperative. This is San Francisco after all. Precinct walking, even on a beautiful day, is going to challenge your calf muscles.
But for the staff of CLCV who volunteered on a gorgeous Sunday to go door-to-door in support of environmental champion Phil Ting, it was all worth it.
CLCV is proud to endorse Phil Ting for Assembly District 19, a new district that is dominated by Western San Francisco but also includes all of Daly City, Colma, and some of South San Francisco. The environment is at the top of Phil’s priority list, and he has an excellent track record of leadership. As the Assessor for San Francisco, Phil launched GoSolarSF, San Francisco’s first-of-its-kind solar energy incentive program. The program quadrupled the number of solar roofs in the city, created over 450 new green jobs and increased the number of solar companies from two to 30, helping to solidify the city’s reputation as an innovative leader in California’s green economy. He’s committed to taking the clean energy and conservation policies for which San Francisco is famous to Sacramento.
Unfortunately, this week Phil’s main opponent dumped another $75,000 of his own money into his campaign coffers, which brings his total to (an astounding) $183,000 of his own money to his campaign. We know Phil will win this race the old-fashioned way – by having the support of the people behind him and reaching out to voters one-on-one.
So a bunch of us staffers from the Oakland office of CLCV talked the talk and walked the walk this past weekend, handing out fliers to San Francisco voters and letting folks know that Phil is the environmental voice that we need in the state Assembly.
Here are a few observations from staff who walked for Phil:
Michael Hawk, Director of Operations:
My territory was Westwood Highlands in the Twin Peaks area of San Francisco. It was a gorgeous day in San Francisco and it reminded me of just how important it is to protect this jewel of a city for all that dwell within. CLCV endorsed Phil Ting because he will be both a pragmatic conservator of our precious tax dollars but also because he understands that we live in a unique place full of natural wonders and living things that must be protected. The neighbors that I spoke with were mostly enthusiastic supporters of Phil and receptive to the information we were giving them. Politics can be a messy business and not always fun. But on a day like this, working for a worthy candidate who knows what needs to be done, I’m reminded why I chose to work here.
Beth Gunston, Campaigns and Outreach Manager
While much of San Francisco was distracted with the “Bay to Breakers” event this past Sunday, I too was walking in the city – but with a different goal. I was pounding the pavement and the stairs in support of Phil Ting. I’ve been following the representation for this Western San Francisco seat for the last decade, and I’ve never seen such a strong environmental candidate. Phil won’t just be a reliable vote. He’ll be a real leader, as he has proven already on issues like solar energy and green jobs. That’s why I didn’t mind waking up a little earlier this weekend, knowing that my efforts can make a difference in this race where Phil’s primary opponent has already poured much of his own wealth into trying to buy his seat in Sacramento.
Sarah Rose, Chief Executive Officer
Having worked in politics for many years, I have precinct walked countless times, but this was the first time I took my two young daughters with me. They were such troupers and we had a good time. Although we didn’t have a lot of hills to climb, we had a lot of stairs! The girls learned how to hang the flyer on the doorknobs and they developed a very complex analysis of the various doors. We talked to some folks who were out in their yards, although the girls became pretty shy so it was up to me to explain that CLCV had endorsed Phil Ting because of his strong environmental values and record of leadership.
I highly recommend canvassing with two young girls, because everyone is super friendly and thanked us for stopping by. There was one special moment that stood out to me, and I wish I’d taken a photo: My girls were side by side, both with a flyer in their hands and running up a flight of stairs together. Walking with them was a great opportunity to talk about why this was important; that the people we are working to elect are making decisions about the environment and the things that are important to us. It was a gorgeous day, and after we finished up we stopped by Bi-Rite creamery for ice cream (as promised!) in the Mission neighborhood and went to Dolores Park where there were many colorful characters hanging out after Bay to Breakers. I absolutely want them to come back with me next time I precinct walk.
Jenesse Miller, Communications Director
Now that my son is the ripe old age of 10 months, I figured it was time to introduce him to the fine art of grassroots campaigning. I knew he would be great company for a few hours of walking (and strolling), since we do quite a bit of that anyway. We came prepared with snacks, diapers, his sippy cup; perhaps not the usual supplies for a precinct walk. After loading up on bagels at Phil Ting’s campaign office, we made our way to the intersection of Baker and Lombard, and headed… straight up! Yes, we had a lot of hills to climb, and many flights of stairs up to voters’ doorsteps to hang fliers. But the gorgeous view of the sparkling San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge was inspiring. Phil Ting knows what a special place San Francisco is, and I’m confident he’ll take his strong environmental values to Sacramento with him.
