2018 Primary Election Candidates

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PARISH, Maya
Name on ballot:

PARISH, Maya

Running for:

Hawaii Island County Council

District (if applicable):

9

Political party:

Democrat

Campaign website:

https://www.mayaparish.org/

Current occupation:

Educator & Community Organizer

Age:

40

Previous job history:

Educator, Communications Facilitator, Programs Manager, Event Producer, Restaurant Worker

Previous elected office, if any:

Currently serving as Democratic Party of Hawai'i's Hawai'i County Secretary & Hawai'i County Representative on State Central Committee

What qualifies you to represent the people of Hawaii?

I have extensive experience leading teams and working collaboratively with committees. I have highly developed organizational, communication and people skills, having worked in education, programs management, grassroots organizing and as an elected officer in the County and State leadership of the Democratic Party of Hawai'i. I am skilled at long term creative planning, and also have a pragmatic and strong work ethic to accomplish the steps it takes to achieve the long term vision.

I am dedicated to showing up to community meetings and to holding regular office hours so I may listen to the great ideas as well as challenges of my fellow community members in order to craft the legislation that will best meet their needs. I cherish the aloha values system of Hawai'i and the rural nature of my community and I will do everything I can to protect and preserve them. I will be an advocate for working families, and will work to ensure all voices are heard and considered, especially those that government tends to

I am fueled by purpose and passion to serve my community. I am ethical, honest, and transparent, and have strong family values. I am not accepting any money from PACs or business entities, only individuals. As such, I am not beholden to any special interests or corporate donors, and am free to truly serve the best interests of my constituents, our 'āina, wai and kai, and our future generations.

What are the top three challenges facing the voters you seek to represent?

Cost of living (especially lack of affordable housing), failing infrastructure (roads, community gathering spaces, inadequate high schools in areas of my district, inadequate emergency preparedness), and lack of local food production.

If elected, what will be your highest legislative priority?

Cost of living - which I will address through increased affordable housing, jobs creation through diversification of our local economy, and proposing an overhaul of the property tax structure to ease the financial burden on those who can afford it least.

If elected, what can you do to improve the lives of your constituents?

First and foremost, I will listen deeply, ensuring my constituents are heard and that my actions as their representative are well aligned with what they want and need.

I will also engage in long term budget planning, finding creative ways for the county to generate increased revenue without placing undue financial burden on our full-time residents. I will do all I can to care for our keiki and kupuna.

I will advocate for the best interests of families who have been here for generations, support small businesses, encourage the growth of our local food production with ecologically conscious and regenerative agricultural methods, and protect our natural resources so that our keiki and future generations can thrive.

Is there anything else you would like voters to know about you?

It would be a true honor to serve you.

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