Sam Yoon, as many of you know, ran for mayor of Boston last year. As the first Asian American on the Boston city council, the first Asian American to run for public office in Boston, and the first Asian American politician to win public office in Boston, I was very excited for his candidacy. Sam podcasted with bigWOWO last year, and we raised money for his campaign.
I saw this on 8Asians just today. Sam Yoon is leaving Boston and moving to Washington, DC. It sounds like after making lots of noise in the closed Boston political arena, Sam got blacklisted and was unable to find a job, and so he eventually accepted a position in DC to become the new executive director of the National Alliance of Community Economic Development Associations.
What saddened me a bit is how less affluent people have so little power in politics. If Sam were independently wealthy, a la Bloomberg or Corzine, he could just stick around and promote whatever it was that he wanted to promote. He could’ve been a wealthy, independent pain-in-the-ass to that old school Boston political machine. But as most of us have needs for both income and recognition, Sam had limited options. That should make people sad. How do we get talent to use their talent when money plays such a big part in politics?
The article says:
Samuel R. Tyler, president of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, said Yoon was the victim of a rushed timetable. “He suggested a different approach to running the city, a natural course for a candidate who has to convince voters he is a better choice. But I do think he could have taken a different approach by creating a résumé for himself on the City Council for more than two terms, and then running for mayor at a time of transition, which would enhance his chances and bolster his reputation.
I do see the point, but you never know. If Obama had waited until 2016, he would have lost the opportunity. Sometimes you have to follow your gut–hindsight is 20/20.
Anyway, I think Sam will make a full recovery. He’s got the brains, the tenacity, and the know-how.
Keep on fighting, Sam! Good things will come in the future!
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What saddened me a bit is how less affluent people have so little power in politics. If Sam were independently wealthy, a la Bloomberg or Corzine, he could just stick around and promote whatever it was that he wanted to promote. He could’ve been a wealthy, independent pain-in-the-ass to that old school Boston political machine. But as most of us have needs for both income and recognition, Sam had limited options.
Would’ve, could’ve, should’ve . . .
Samuel R. Tyler, president of the Boston Municipal Research Bureau, said Yoon was the victim of a rushed timetable. “He suggested a different approach to running the city, a natural course for a candidate who has to convince voters he is a better choice. But I do think he could have taken a different approach by creating a résumé for himself on the City Council for more than two terms, and then running for mayor at a time of transition, which would enhance his chances and bolster his reputation.
I gotta agree with this assessment. It rings true. Contrast Yoon’s rushed bid for top office with the strategic and calibrated rise of former Councilman now Comptroller of NYC John Liu.
I do see the point, but you never know. If Obama had waited until 2016, he would have lost the opportunity. Sometimes you have to follow your gut–hindsight is 20/20.
I do not think you can compare Obama’s campaign with that of Sam Yoon. The timing was perfect for Obama to enter the scene and seize the national consciousness. With Sam Yoon, he was trying to ride on the coattails of Obama’s success, like he was attempting to be Obama Part 2, writ small. Like with most sequels, it bombed. It’s like he was the idealistic newbie who watched “Mr Smith goes to Washington” one too many times and thought that applied to real life as well.