Meet Troy Harris, Candidate For Santa Monica City Council

SANTA MONICA, CA — As ballots start to hit Santa Monica mailboxes, it's time for locals to get to know their candidates.

Come Nov. 8, 12 candidates will vie for three open Santa Monica City Council seats as Lana Negrete, Mayor Sue Himmelrich and Mayor Pro Tem Kristin McCowan all have terms ending this year. Negrete is the only one running for reelection.

Santa Monica residents will also weigh in on a number of other local elections, including the Santa Monica-Malibu School District and the Santa Monica Rent Control and College Boards.

Visit this link for more information about the upcoming Santa Monica election and local ballot measures.

A number of City Council candidates answered questions to introduce themselves to Patch readers. Get to know Troy Harris:

Age (as of Election Day)

38

Party Affiliation

Democrat

Family

Single, no kids, never married but I have a mom and dad I love very much.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education

B.A. in Media Arts from University of Arizona

Occupation

Director of International Sales, UPS and Super Host (Small Business Owner) of an AirBnB Listing
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office

Former Commissioner of Clean Beaches and Ocean Parcel Tax Committee

Campaign website

troyharris.com

Why are you seeking elective office?

I am seeking elective office because I recently found my purpose, to fight for justice, used it to successfully improve my life and now I want to extend that and use it to improve the community around me.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?

The critical difference is I approach problems optimistically and see every challenge as a gift that illuminates the solution to the core problem which in our case is investing in underserved communities through social justice. Our problems of crime and homelessness result in short term problems that need to be addressed, which are serious in nature such as prosecuting illegal behavior and enforcing anti-loitering laws...however, per the logic of MLK, these crimes are a result of injustice so we must use equitable solutions to even the playing field and allow all people to reach their highest potential no matter race or current income level.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)

The current board has failed the city because it has overspent in things we don't need, it fails to address the longterm affects of its own racist history, and it does not hold commercial building owners accountable to providing retail for the community.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.

The issues that define my campaign are crime, homelessness and economic recovery as well as housing and a push to support local businesses as opposed to large retail chains.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?

In my role at UPS I have done nothing but help my customers, who are businesses with multiple stakeholders with competing needs, grow through increased efficiency and making growth a hassle-free process. It has been 12 years and for the last 6 I have been doing international, which means I need the ability to understand and overcome complex challenges with US and foreign customs and explain them to customers in a way that makes it simple for them which is exactly what I would do for the people of Santa Monica. I have served the community for many years as a former Commissioner, Santa Monica Jaycees Civic Engagement Co-Chair, Boys & Girls Club STEM Mentor, volunteer at United Way, the Homeless Count, Heal the Bay and more. I was the president of my local Toastmasters Club for a year. I am dedicated to servant leadership, I think outside the box and I love Santa Monica.

The best advice ever shared with me was:

Don't forget your manners! - Mom

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?

I am genuinely running from a place of love which is solely wanting to align with my values as a person, Love, Justice and Community, and acting them out in reality. This fulfills me by proving that I am working to change the things I dislike about the world I live in, just as much as it helps others by being of service to those in need and making the changes necessary to help everybody thrive. I grew up in a predominately white neighborhood in Phoenix, very similar to Santa Monica and I faced racism and I want to make the world a better place so the next generation of Black children and all children can grow up in a place that looks down on racism so that we all have an equal shot at being our best selves.