Kindness

I have read every press release, question answered here on loco, watched your debate responses, and your spam text messages. I feel that you have a grudge against the community that you chose to live in and that everything you are saying is to tear down people that have worked hard to make Eureka a better place to live.

Several years ago someone told me that if you are going to play in the political arena you have to be able to say nice things about the people you work with, even if you don’t agree with them. Can you give three examples each of the good you see in our current mayor and the current city council members? Please call them by name and list their positives individually.

Jim, Thank you for your question. I agree that kindness, respect, and the ability to work with people we disagree with are essential qualities in public service.

However, I strongly reject your suggestion that I hold a grudge against Eureka or its people. Nothing could be further from the truth.

I chose Eureka as my home because I care deeply about this community. Even without holding public office, I have invested my time, resources, and energy into helping its residents. I provide housing to approximately 75 families in Eureka, including around 40 extremely low-income households whose tenants pay the rent of approximately $300 per month. I have also created jobs, supported businesses, and invested in local properties. These are tangible contributions, not simply campaign promises.

I also want to address something important about your question.  You publicly ask me to demonstrate kindness and respect toward other candidates and elected officials. Yet, in your private messages, you referred to me as a “slumlord,” attacked my livelihood and used personal insults. You also made excuses why Kim had not answered all the questions, while questioning my commitment to answering yours.

I respect your right to support Kim and to campaign on her behalf. However, I believe the standards of kindness, respect, and accountability that you ask of me should apply equally to everyone, including ourselves and the candidates we support.

At the same time, I will not manufacture compliments about individuals simply to fulfill a numerical requirement. I believe meaningful recognition should be sincere and based on actual accomplishments.

I have serious concerns about Eureka’s homelessness crisis, public drug use, infrastructure, economic conditions, and the effectiveness of city spending. Those concerns are why I am participating in this election. They are not evidence of hostility toward the community or the people serving it.

Criticizing public policies is not a personal attack. Questioning decisions is not disrespect. And demanding accountability is not a lack of kindness.

I believe people can disagree strongly while treating one another with dignity. I am prepared to work respectfully with every member of the City Council, regardless of political differences.

My commitment to Eureka is reflected in the work I have done here, and I welcome fair questions about my record and proposals.

Kindness should be practiced, not merely demanded. Respect should be mutual, not selective. And accountability should apply equally to everyone.

That is the standard I intend to uphold.

Anil Dwivedi