2008 Woodie Awards
Grad. student runs for city council seat
by Sarah Esralew
Issue date: 10/19/07 Section: News
Graduate student Ezra Temko is currently campaigning for a spot on the Newark City Council. If selected, he would become the youngest elected official in the state.
The 22-year-old is promoting a campaign that focuses on community responsiveness, the development of downtown Newark and has given particular emphasis to issues of environmental sustainability.
Temko said his age gives him certain advantages, including awareness of environmental issues and proficiency in newer technologies.
"I think that it gives me an advantage policy-wise, because I understand 21st century technology and I grew up hearing about environmental sustainability," he said. "I think some of the things that come from being young, like energy, and taking things on that people might not expect to be successful, are things that are pros and that help my campaign."
Temko said his critics should focus on his campaign goals rather than his age.
"People who are skeptical about my age should instead think about being excited that they're going to have somebody who has the energy to be able to liaison for them and listen to them and then advocate and do things," he said. "I would say they should get to know me instead of just judging somebody based on an age."
Temko said his campaign has received a positive response from the community so far and he does not think his age will be a setback.
"I'm definitely surprised by the level of receptiveness or enthusiasm or just the action of people to talking about the city issues through the campaign," he said.
Temko said university alumnus Kevin Vonck, whose acquisition of a Newark council chair at age 23 in 2004 made him the state's youngest elected official, offset age issues by being committed to the office. Temko said he plans on taking similar action.
"The way Kevin Vonck won as a 23-year-old is [the way] he campaigned," he said. "People really liked Kevin Vonck and thought he was a good city council member. And I'm running a very real campaign, and we will see what the reaction is among certain people."
The 22-year-old is promoting a campaign that focuses on community responsiveness, the development of downtown Newark and has given particular emphasis to issues of environmental sustainability.
Temko said his age gives him certain advantages, including awareness of environmental issues and proficiency in newer technologies.
"I think that it gives me an advantage policy-wise, because I understand 21st century technology and I grew up hearing about environmental sustainability," he said. "I think some of the things that come from being young, like energy, and taking things on that people might not expect to be successful, are things that are pros and that help my campaign."
Temko said his critics should focus on his campaign goals rather than his age.
"People who are skeptical about my age should instead think about being excited that they're going to have somebody who has the energy to be able to liaison for them and listen to them and then advocate and do things," he said. "I would say they should get to know me instead of just judging somebody based on an age."
Temko said his campaign has received a positive response from the community so far and he does not think his age will be a setback.
"I'm definitely surprised by the level of receptiveness or enthusiasm or just the action of people to talking about the city issues through the campaign," he said.
Temko said university alumnus Kevin Vonck, whose acquisition of a Newark council chair at age 23 in 2004 made him the state's youngest elected official, offset age issues by being committed to the office. Temko said he plans on taking similar action.
"The way Kevin Vonck won as a 23-year-old is [the way] he campaigned," he said. "People really liked Kevin Vonck and thought he was a good city council member. And I'm running a very real campaign, and we will see what the reaction is among certain people."
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 5
Megan Lehman
posted 10/19/07 @ 9:48 AM EST
Ezra is a good friend of mine and work colleague, and I can't imagine a better-suited candidate for City Council. I am continually amazed at the level of enthusiasm and quantity of work he accomplishes; he is one of those people who seem to fit 36 hours worth of work into a 24 hour day. (Continued…)
Hashini Seneviratne
posted 10/19/07 @ 10:50 AM EST
As a fellow graduate student in the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy with Ezra, I'm excited to see someone so dedicated, involved in the community, and motivated to bringing about positive changes. (Continued…)
Allie
posted 10/20/07 @ 2:13 AM EST
I am thrilled that a motivated individual is willing to serve the people and especially the students of Newark. I feel that as a constituency, students are often ignored, but I know that when Ezra is a member of the city council, he will represent those of us who attend University of Delaware. (Continued…)
Daniel Siders
posted 10/22/07 @ 11:59 AM EST
I've been at many City Council meetings with Ezra and am certain that he will make a wonderful council-person. I would also highly encourage anyone who is even vaguely interested in how this particular city is run or has any complaints to make against the administration to attend a council meeting and speak out. (Continued…)
Gilad S
posted 10/23/07 @ 2:33 PM EST
I think Ezra will be a valiable addition to the city council. He has motivation, energy and is very wise and creative. I am fully confident in his ability to help the people of Newark, Delaware. (Continued…)
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