Hey John.

I launched my campaign for Mayor of Clarkston in the summer of 2013 at 30 years old. So many people told me I was crazy -- and I probably was -- for running at that age, against an incumbent 40 years my senior.

But I didn't care. For me, it was never about collecting a title. I ran because I wanted to advance the issues, create debate, bring our community together and move Clarkston forward with progressive reforms for the good of all our neighbors.

After I won and was sworn in, I got right to work doing just that. I started by putting an end to the moratorium on refugee resettlement put in place by the previous administration. I knew we had to end the moratorium and once again embrace the spirit that has made Clarkston such a welcoming and compassionate community for years.

Along the way, I met Birendra Dhakal, someone you can learn more about in this short PBS documentary about Clarkston from 2012 [link removed]

His personal story of persecution and persistence as a New American in this country is amazing and is one that I can't and shouldn't tell for him, so definitely check out the documentary.

What I can say is Birendra was very involved in politics in his home country of Bhutan, a passion he carried with him as he started a new life with his family in Clarkston. He started a citizenship class for his fellow new Americans and helped them register to vote once they became citizens.

I was so inspired by his commitment to public service that I talked him into running for City Council that year. Here we are after a campaign strategy planning session one evening.

Birendra didn't win that year - he lost by a scant 13 votes! But again, it didn't dampen his commitment to serve the community. He continued to show up and serve. In fact, when I presented him with the opportunity to serve on our city's Planning and Zoning Commission, he enthusiastically accepted the appointment, and is now the chairman of the board!

We need leaders who will help prepare the next generation to take over.

I'm proud of the individuals I've worked with as Mayor over the years who represent the spirit and community in Clarkston, and I'm confident people like Birendra will continue the work we started all those years ago.

We must continue to pay it forward to the next generation of leaders here in DeKalb. It is what I'm committed to as a resident of DeKalb, and what I hope to continue to work on as a County Commissioner.

Together we can bring our communities together, and move us all forward into a more inclusive and welcoming and equal DeKalb County.