When some teenagers see a problem in government, many grumble like the rest of us. E.J. Delacruz takes a different approach.
"I’m tired of it, and I would like to get involved and make a difference and represent the people, like they should be represented," said E.J., who’s running for City Council.
He’s 18 years old, turns 19 this month, and he’s taking on an incumbent and many other contenders for Honolulu Council District 1, a key West Oahu seat with big issues, like rail.
"I personally disagree with the plan they have now. It doesn’t make too much sense," he said.
The Leeward Community College student met a campaign volunteer while Delacruz was working at an Office Depot selling the customer a tablet computer.
"He asked me what I wanted to do – I told him I wanted to get involved with politics. To be honest I want to go all the way and become president one day."
That led to a stint as a campaign volunteer himself, giving him a taste for politics. His mother and his many siblings are not surprised.
"I had always thought that I would love to raise up a son that would make a difference in this world, that would make a difference in our country, someone who would stand for what’s right," said Venus Delacruz, E.J.’s mother.
His father, an army lieutenant colonel, is deployed but has another big task ahead when he comes back for R&R next month.
"When I told him that I was running he was ecstatic," E.J. said.
"He said he’s going to be with me going door to door, he’s going to be giving me tips."
If elected E.J. Delacruz would be the youngest officeholder in Hawaii’s history. Holding the title from a past election is Councilmember Tulsi Gabbard, who was just 21 when she was elected to her first office, State House.
"I think it’s great anytime we see young people taking an interest and actually getting involved and taking action to make a positive impact in our community," said Gabbard, from the Honolulu City Council.
Her advice learned in her first elected days?
"There are a lot of different issues that come up, but with those two components – really listening and working well as a member of a team – those are the keys to success."
While E.J. has his sights set on winning, he hopes he won’t be alone in his demographic.
"For me I really want to get my generation involved, because it’s really going to be my generation that’s paying for — whether it’s the mistakes, bills, whatever it is for the mistakes of our past generation."
See the original article at: KHON2 Local News
