I’ll preface this by saying I’m not a fan of either major political party. I think special interests and corporations own both, and the system is utterly broken and devoid of truly principled individuals who act in the best interest of those who elect them.

In other words, I’m not exactly inspired to get off the couch and vote, let alone take the time to voice support for folks seeking office. I’ve learned — through painful, soul-crushing experience — not to idolize politicians.

I’m pretty fun at parties, as you can probably tell.

So, I hope my words hold extra weight when I write that I’m wholeheartedly supporting an upstart politician running for a City Council position in Springfield. Her name is Callee Ackland. Why has Callee allowed me to shelve my cynicism? Let’s start with the obvious: Callee can win.

She checks many of the boxes on the background that folks on both sides of the political aisle seek.

Callee is a former business owner. She’s a U.S. Navy veteran. She grew up in small-town Oregon. She volunteers in the local government and with the Springfield Public Library.

But Callee is much more than that. I’ve seen firsthand that she is thoughtful and compassionate. She’s also fearless in her search for answers that benefit her community and unafraid to question those in power with pointed, data-driven questions.

And if you visit her campaign website, you’ll see she also has vision and solutions for issues that matter to Springfield residents, including affordability and community livability.

As a renter, she would be the only nonhomeowner on the council. When you are talking about issues like housing costs, neighborhood improvements, or wildfire and climate resiliency, her voice as one of the nearly 50% of Springfield residents who don’t own homes is desperately needed.

Callee’s meticulous approach to running for office, community organizing, and her willingness to ask questions when she needs to have been inspiring to witness. She is a force to be reckoned with.

And that’s a force Springfield should want in its corner.

Daniel Hiestand
Springfield