City Council Challenger Running with Message, not Money

None by KCPW

William Huckins returned from Iraq 19 months ago

(KCPW News) Four people are vying for Dave Buhler's East Side city council seat that includes the University of Utah and Foothill. Most candidates run to win, but first-time candidate William Huckins says he's running because he can.

"I spent three years in Iraq and there are about 16 people that died around me who tried to enter politics," Huckins says. "So this [election] is just basically a statement I can run here without worrying about being killed for what I believe in."

Huckins worked at Baghdad International Airport under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Transportation Security Administration and a variety of private communications companies during his time in the region.  

The retired Air Force electronics specialist started thinking about running for the District 6 city council seat when he came home 19 months ago. "Giving money to a political opponent is fine, but I'd rather take a volunteer and get him politically activated," Huckins says. "I mean, lawn signs, handmade, why not?"

So far, Huckins has raised only $75, a far cry from the $15,000-plus dollars the two top-raising candidates have earned for the District 6 race. No official polls have been conducted.

You won't see Huckins' name bannered across lawn signs or stickers even if he does garner support. Huckins says he doesn't plan to spend much more than he has already earned.

Tune into the District 6 debate on Midday Metro Friday at 10AM. Voters in District 6 go to the primary election polls on September 11.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2009 KCPW