August 4, 2006

Evan Low kicks off city council campaign

By Eliza Chon
Times Intern

Evan Low held a campaign kickoff for his bid for the Campbell City Council on one of the hottest days of the year, July 20, at the Stone Griffin Art Gallery.

He ran for City Council two years ago, but lost by less than one percent of the vote.

Low, 23, said he’s learned a lot in the past two years. “I have met more people that have had experience in the government,” he said. “They have taught me what is really needed. I now have a deeper conviction than before.”

Aside from the obvious fact that Low is decades younger than most of the city council, he also feels that there is room for improvement in the running of the city. “I think that I have a fresh perspective, a new energy. I believe in the investments of the future. I truly care about the people in the community.”

He also states that his desire for a better community is a strong motivating factor and he stresses improvements in education and safety as his campaign platform.

During a speech given by Low during the campaign kickoff, he informed the audience of his plans if he is elected.

“The libraries here in Campbell are closed Sundays and Mondays. I want to be able give the less fortunate more resources, good resources. I want to get involved with the school district and create more after school activities,” he suggested as changes that he hopes to accomplish.

Many supporters came to a consensus when asked about his community enthusiasm. “Evan is really concerned about community issues,” explains Judy Rickard, a longtime resident of Campbell.

Low has participated in numerous community projects. He has worked for the Volunteer Center of Silicon Valley and occasionally works as a substitute teacher. He was also elected as the president of the Silicon Valley Lesbian and Gay Bisexual Transgender Democratic Club. He is a member of the Campbell Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Campbell Business Association and West San Jose/Campbell Lion’s Club.

Low isn’t the only person in his family who has contributed to the community. His father, Art Low served on the Campbell Chamber of Commerce as president and was awarded Campbell Citizen of the Year.

Julie Lind, a friend of Low’s trusts that he is “in touch with the community and he is nothing but beneficial to society.” Another supporter responds, “Evan isn’t just another politician. He is concerned about the public and the people.”

State Assemblywoman, Rebecca Cohn, has known Low for a few years and finds “positive energy in Evan. He knows Campbell well and wants to both preserve the community’s integrity and make it a better place for everyone.”

Dana Smith, a supporter and the owner of the Stone Griffin Gallery, says, “Evan is the only candidate that actually comes up to me and asks me what I hope to see in the future of Campbell.”

Low’s campaign manager, Benjamin Scoll was an observer two years when Low first ran. However, he saw Low as a “passionate candidate and very active. He has so much energy and he has great ideas. He is very innovative. He would even call me late at night, midnight or one in the morning to discuss ideas.”

Low is obviously unbowed by the loss two years ago: Scoll recalls that Low started his current campaign the day after he lost the election.

If you would like more information on Evan Low, visit his Web site at www.evanlow.com.