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What personal values shape your political beliefs?
The ideals that are most important to me are democratic participation in our political life, the common good, and social justice.
Democratic participation is important not just as a means to good government but as a means to creating a strong sense of community. By the common good, I mean a recognition that we’re all in this together, that there are certain goods—such as good urban design and a beautiful and sustainable environment—that we cannot attain except by acting together. By social justice I mean insuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to take part in our political, social, and economic life.
"By the common good, I mean a recognition that we’re all in this together, that there are certain goods that we cannot attain except by acting together." |
What does “progressive” mean to you?
The new progressivism recognizes that we need bold and innovative public policies to sustain the common good and create social justice. We progressives don’t immediately think that government or the market is the answer but seek judicious and creative combinations of public and private efforts.
We do not pursue redistributive policies first, but, rather policies that seek to create equality by improving our common life. For example, we recognize that poverty is not primarily a problem of individual not having enough money but of communities not providing enough political, economic, social, and recreational opportunities.
What have you been doing since you finished the Fellowship?
Working to build Neighborhood Networks. Lobbying for campaign finance reform, for protecting Philadelphia’s right to zone our casino sites, and for protecting the right of community groups to appeal zoning board decisions in the courts.
"I see about ten or fifteen fellows at least once a month. They are among the leaders in Philadelphia." |
And preparing to run for office. Aside from the prosaic tasks of raising money, building a campaign team, and making connections with community groups and ward leaders, I’m trying to articulate what it means to be a progressive in Philadelphia on my blog, www.stier.net/blog.
What advice do you have for other emerging progressive leaders?
Stay true to your convictions; fight to reform the political system; think of new ways to attain our old ideals.
...and about the Center for Progressive Leadership:
What did you get out of the Fellowship?
Some wonderful friends and colleagues, some new tools and techniques, a strengthened sense of the potential for nobility in political action; and renewed confidence that the progressive movement is growing strong er every day.
Do you still keep in touch with any other Fellows?
I see about ten or fifteen fellows at least once a month. They are among the leaders in Philadelphia.
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