Interview with Anthony V. Clark

What policies or issues are most important to you in your campaign?

I truly believe in fighting for the liberty and justice of all people. Our political leaders must listen when constituents are yelling.

Women’s rights are human rights. Si Se Puede. Let Them In.

Black Lives Matter. Science is Real. Fight for $15.

These are issues which are important to me.

I want to end the divide between police and community by demilitarizing police and investing in community policing. I want to end the war on drugs and remove mandatory minimum sentences. I want to combat the job crisis by incentivizing local hiring and supporting small businesses. I I want to ensure public schools receive adequate funding, support our teachers and students and fund vocational programs and technical schools.

What is your strategy for bringing progressives together? What is your vision for the left?

We take progressive opposition that attempts to divide us up by creating divisive narratives that focus on our differences, and we flip it on its head. We must strategically utilize empathy and intersectionality to transform our diversity into a strength. When we dedicate our energy to identifying commonalities while respecting our differences, we can galvanize our base. To accomplish this, we need leaders that not only communicate the importance of common ground, but model it as well.

Intersectionality means that, as progressives, we must recognize that once we better acknowledge the differences among us, the better we will understand how to empower the diverse subgroups within our movement. Once this occurs, our opposition cannot marginalize our efforts, because each and every fight includes a diverse base bringing with them the multiple perspectives and skills needed to create systemic change. Once we fight just as hard for each other as we do for our singular issues, all issues progressives are fighting for will be addressed and changed.

On the other hand, how are you able to reach out to right wing voters? What policies do you believe appeal to all voters?

Brand New Congress is a post partisan movement. When people are placed before party, the ability to reach across the aisle and appeal to all voters is strengthened.

Our current political leaders follow individuals and support policies that they know are detrimental to society, but they do so in the names of party, self interest, and special interests. There are policies that are universal, that no matter party affiliation, all Americans care about. Economic policies, defense policies, education policies, and criminal justice policies are all policies that cross partisanship.

As constituents and leaders, we do not have to agree on everything, but I recognize the importance of not labeling each other because of those disagreements. When individuals are labeled, we often become defensive and shut down, eliminating the ability to compromise or grow. We have to remember that the majority of Americans both Democratic and Republican are working class and do not belong to the top 1%!

In your district what are people struggling with? How can you help?

The biggest issue we are facing is inequality. Our current political leaders are placing special interests, self interests, and party interests before the people of the state.

Illinois residents are struggling to afford a home. They struggle with the under-funding of public schools and the lack of investment in urban communities. They struggle with gentrification, with a divide between police and community, with wages, with lack of small business support, and with high crime in particular areas.

I believe the most important way I can help is by placing the people first. By fighting for policies and engaging in actions nationally and locally that address the root causes of issues and does not simply treat symptoms for my personal benefit. By investing in people and all communities, we will not only create change, but also hold other politicians accountable, no matter their party.

Who has endorsed you?

As a Brand New Congress candidate, I am also currently endorsed by Justice Democrats.

How can people help you in your campaign?

I always say that it takes a community to make a difference. This congressional run is not my run, it is our (the constituents) run. It is going to take a powerful grassroots effort to topple the political machine and establishment that is currently entrenched.

If anyone wants to help, I need them to share their stories and ideas with me. My only special interest are my constituents. I need people to spread the message, I need people to donate their time/energy, and I need people to donate. I will take $0 dollars from any special interest group.

My campaign is people powered and 100% grassroots funded as I recognize the importance of removing money from politics.

Ultimately, I need people to believe in me as I believe in them. Fights are not mutually exclusive, so that means I fight for all people and hope that all people will fight for me.

What else would you like to share with our readers?

I truly view this as a calling and not a personal opportunity. I approach constituents the same way I approach my students and families: with the belief in developing relationships.

My favorite food: Seafood

Favorite restaurant: El Barco

Favorite Pizza: Home Run Inn

Favorite Movie: Coming to America.

I have a dog named Utah (named after Johnny Utah from Point Break). Utah is half husky, half pit.