Austin Aslan

Environment / Energy I believe that environmental stewardship will best succeed when respectfully coupled with consideration of human livelihoods and wellbeing. Indeed, scientific research strongly suggests that when it comes to the environment, people matter most. Environment / Energy The night sky isn’t just a pretty viewscape to enjoy where it’s available. Humanity’s very ability to collectively wonder about our place in the universe is compromised when we wash it away. This is a bigger deal than it might first seem. The stars are quickly going extinct from our awareness and our consciousness. We’re content to let wardens like Neil de Grasse Tyson be our gatekeepers to wonder. But each one of us across the globe should be able to be reminded on a nightly basis that we’re indeed small, and yet miraculous. We lose our night through choices, not necessity. I am very passionate about safeguarding this valuable resource in our neighborhoods. We really must protect what Dark we have left. Social Services Our youth need more opportunities to express their desires and to show leadership throughout Flagstaff. They need more resources, more things to do, and more say in what all of that looks like. I fully support the return of a Youth Commission to Flagstaff, and empowering that commission with as much authority to advise the city council as any other commission. I support more access to jobs for our young men and women, and will partner with local businesses to properly resource better youth employment, empowerment, and authentic leadership roles.