John Katzenberg (E): Interview With The Long Shot Candidate Carlos Allen

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When it comes to the 2010 District Mayoral race, there's certainly no shortage of criticism at the Independent candidate, community advocate Carlos Allen. They poked fun and have torn down almost all 10,000 posters he had placed all over the city. Also, some critics hold him responsible for what is likely to be the Obama Gate State Dinner Incident, where he was alleged to be uninvited guest at the White House Dinner table.

In an interview with (E), Carlos says-- as he often said during the campaign-- there really isn't much of a difference between Mayor Fenty and Chairman Gray. When it came to economic empowerment of the people, they would rather focus more on economic development and not follow the guidelines of the law, to enforce business, to 1st provide jobs for the citizens of the District of Columbia! Both, he claims, served corporate interests in the end, and have not done anything to squash the unemployment rate that's 3 times the national average, in some wards of the city or been able  to balance the budget. He says that everything Mayor Fenty did, Chairman Gray had to indorse, he is the #1 person in the legislator and #2 after Mayor Fenty!

 There's certainly no question that Carlos Allen has been a reliable friend of the People of the District of Columbia over the years, with his Help Us Support Humanity events to feed the homeless. Here's the man in his own words:

E: Who Are You And Why Are You Running For Mayor?

Carlos: My name is Carlos Allen and I'm a 20 plus year District of Columbia resident and I'm running as an Independent candidate for the District of Columbia Mayoral campaign.

I do so with great pride because for me, the word “Independent” is liberation which is much than a political label. It represents my nonpartisan belief in what I’m doing and reinforces my self-determination to help all District of Columbia (DC) citizens.

My aspiration is to improve the lives of all District of Columbia residents. I want to aid all generations, those of today and in the future, to actualize their aspirations to truly live the "American Dream". I want to cultivate a District of Columbia, where each of us are our brother's keeper and that’s what I've set out to achieve.

I intend to be a Mayor that will positively impact the lives of all the DC citizens and I'm looking forward to the opportunity.

To me, if you’re an inspiring politician, then you’re looking to stand up for the very principles that make America great. Principles such as freedom, individual rights and economic empowerment for all people. And that means not being beholden to any party per se, but being beholden to the people!

These significant American values endow all citizens with equal rights regardless of race, creed, or skin color, and bestow the opportunity for individuals to be the best they can be at whatever they wish to be.

I stand for the traditional American values and principles; I stand for individualism and for the rights of all citizens.

I am willing to fight for these rights, not only for the sake of the city, but primarily for the welfare of DC citizens.

Now more than ever, the District of Columbia needs a trustworthy and dependable leader of the people and not another Gump who is for the rich and affluent!

That’s why I'm campaigning to reaffirm and promote these values and planning to be the next DC Mayor.

E: What Are The Central Issues Of Your Campaign?

Carlos: As a District of Columbia citizen and Independent Mayoral candidate, my key issues are as follows:

• To protect women's right to choose. I am proudly pro-choice.
• To advance education and promote individual empowerment to thereby increase the tax base and employment.
• To conserve free markets, free speech, free assembly and entrepreneurship.
• I strongly believe in fiscal conservatism.
• To promote family, community and spirituality.
• To advocate and produce careers rather than individuals simply having a job.
• To implement affordable housing, care for our seniors, disabled, mentally ill and homeless.
• I am an adamant advocate of school reform and adult higher education.
• I am an opponent of parking taxes and bag taxes and firmly support teaching individuals to become self sufficient.
• I am a defender of full District of Columbia representation and having a surplus budget of no less than $1.1 billion dollars. This means we, the city and the citizens, need to learn how to make MONEY and not tax our citizens out of problems the council and executive board created with mismanagement!
• To carry forward crime reduction through education, employment and small business creation.

My campaign platform hits the nerves of our people and will unite the citizens of the District of Columbia.  As DC's next Mayor I will fight for these principles. It's what I believe in. It's what I will do.

Why is any of this important and why does it matter?

The stakes in this upcoming election are very, very high. This election will determine the future of our city and we cannot continue with the Same Old Gray Days!

If you're ready to improve your life, if you know “More Jobs = Less Crime", and you believe in fighting for your rights then support my campaign.

Now's the time and the opportunity is yours today through November 2nd at the polls. Join me and together we will make a greater District of Columbia.

E: Why Do You Feel You Would Be A Better Mayor?

Carlos: I believe I will be a great mayor for all the reasons stated and the fact that I am not a career politician. Many career politicians promise to create jobs for the residents in their ward, get elected and do absolutely NOTHING! Example (20% unemployment in Ward 7 ---30% unemployment in Ward 8)! I’ve created hundreds of jobs and careers. I’m a person who was once homeless and someone helped me. I've lived my life continuing to help others!

E: Do You Think You Will Win This Election?

Carlos: Yes, I believe I can win this election. I don’t get involved in anything unless I strongly believe I can win and achieve success! I'm confident I will win this election because I have faith in myself and I believe in GOD and know through him all things are possible!