Amid federal shutdowns and lawless statehouses, it’s easy to lose faith in government and politics.
Things are so broken, what’s the point?
That’s what they want us to think: to give up hope. To give up entirely. And we can’t let that happen.
So amid fighting back against the dark forces undermining so much at those levels, one way I find solace is to find and share examples of public service and public servants hard at work, making a difference.
And often, that most clearly happens at the local level.
So yesterday afternoon, I took a few minutes to catch up with Anna Albi, a member of Cincinnati City Council who puts in the work on so many issues.
You’ll see that we have our conversation in a community garden, because that’s one of the many solutions she is pushing forward to combat the crisis of hunger and growing food costs in Cincinnati. Watch the whole video (it’s short!) to have a better understanding of the issue of hunger in our cities, the connection to other problems such as violence, and how smart and creative local solutions can make a difference.
And prepare to be impressed.
Heres an op-ed Anna wrote about why this work is so important.
Speaking of hope, Anna also updated me on the great news that the city of Cincinnati also just wiped out the medical debt of thousands upon thousands of Cincinnatians:
If hearing Anna provides a little lift in your day—as it did mine—my advice is to find a local candidate in your area and help them out in these final weeks before the 2025 elections.
We are running out of time to convince younger generations that politics can be about public service and helping people—when all they’ve witnessed in recent years is the worst of politics. Lifting true public servants like Anna as they do their work, and show that there’s a better way, is an important antidote to that risk.
And while you’re at it, take a look at Anna’s own website, and if moved to do so, please support her campaign.
You can also follow her on Substack here. You’ll be glad you did.
