Los Santos Insider | Interview with Republican Candidate, Mayoral Elections: Hank Preston & Frederick Coleman

[Remington]

 

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"Interview with Republican Candidate, Mayoral Elections: Hank Preston & Frederick Coleman"

Written by Scarlett Remington, August 27

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With the upcoming mayoral elections looming on the horizon, with the voting period coming ever closer, Los Santos residents are eager to make informed decisions that will shape the future of the community. LSI has pursued our commitment to be known as a reliable source of accurate facts, and we strive to provide our readers and listeners with comprehensive coverage whilst upholding our prime goal; providing unbiased and accurate information to the citizens of Los Santos consistently.

 

LSI has taken the initiative to provide a balanced perspective, and prepared a set of predetermined questions not shared with the candidates until the interview, to prevent any research or preparation. The interview articles are posted on the same day to further prevent one candidate from having time to prepare. Both candidates had the opportunity to expand as they deemed necessary to showcase the attributes they uphold to make them a suitable future Mayor.

 

By posing the same set of questions, we aim to provide a level playing field for the people of Los Santos to assess each candidate and help to make an informed decision when voting for their next potential Mayor.

 

LSI have also opted to refrain from the use of advertisements on articles covering the political campaigns of candidates.

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DANIELLE BORDEAUX INTERVIEW: CLICK HERE

 

Hank Preston & Frederick Coleman Interview, Scarlett Remington 08/24/2023 - LSI Podcast Room

 

Scarlett: I'm here with Hank Preston, Mayor Candidate - and Fredrick Coleman, Deputy Mayor Candidate for the Republican Party. Welcome to the LSI Studio you two, hope you're doing well; and thank you for taking the time to be here for an interview, I'm sure you're quite busy.

 

Hank: Truly honored to be here Scarlett, glad to be sharing more about myself with the people of Los Santos. Busy? You're very right, my schedule near the end of the election here is jam packed with all sorts of events, meetings and so on.

 

Scarlett: Without a doubt. The polls are not too far away, so I'm sure the public is very curious to hear you - along with your counterpart candidate. We haven't seen this kind of election in some time, so it was is a very exciting and curious time indeed.

 

Frederick: It sure is closing in! It's good to get some media representation; educating the voter base is very important.

 

 Hank: Got that right Fred. An informed voter is possibly one of the most important things of any election cycle.

 

Scarlett: Much agreed.! Which would bring us to our very first question, quite relatable in a sense. Campaigns are beginning to take off, but away from social media posts; and posing for the camera, who are the people voting for, if they vote for you? Who do they /really/ get?

 

Hank: Well— I'd like to think the people are voting for a man who cares about this city, one who comes from a blue collar background. I started out at the Port Authority thirty years ago, driving a forklift n' operating a crane. Doing what I could, workin' twelve hour shifts to support myself, and paying off my college debt.

 

Hank: I don't come from money or was born with a silver spoon in my mouth— which leads me to believe I can truly relate to the struggle the working class in our City faces. I come from a line of blue collar folks. My father worked at the port, my grandfather worked in the County on a farm.

 

Hank: My mother was a tailor. Over time? I came up through the Port, following in my father's footsteps. Leadin' me to become Director and surpass his time as a Foreman. That's what ignited my passion for public service in politics— some with a go-get-her attitude in office can bring about some real change in this city.

 

Frederick: Hank is a great man - and an even greater friend. He's got a dream in his head of what this city should be; a very respectable dream - and he's working; and has worked really hard on making that dream come true.

 

Scarlett: What sets you apart from the other mayoral candidate, Mr. Preston?

 

Hank: Well— I'd say the main thing is experience and accountability.

 

Hank: Some of my biggest concerns for the city have been the lack of accountability for the Mayor's office, without the City Council in a functioning state to keep him transparent. We've seen nothing' going on behind the curtains, something Danielle has openly defended on Facebrowser, implying Republicans are corrupt and we should leave Cambridge in charge. Quite the contrary.

 

Hank: Second, this is definitely experience. I run an agency that handles quarterly budgets in the excess of hundreds of millions. I speak to trade officials, both foreign and domestic. The Port Authority oversees three hundred billion annually in cargo.

 

Hank: On the other hand, Danielle's experience is solely limited to medicine. She's admitted online that she isn't much of an economist either, but beyond that I can't see her effectively running this City when she can't maintain the decorum expected of—

 

Scarlett: Experience is quite important, especially in this kind of capacity. With that.. What qualities would you say a Mayor should possess in order to be effective?

 

Frederick: A mayor should have a lot of qualities, a strategic vision, leadership skills, communication skills, problem-solving abilities, empathy, ethics, financial acumen, political savvy, inclusivity, the list goes on. It takes a very distinguished person.

 

Hank: Fred is very right, these are all crucial n' essential skills for any Mayoral candidate to possess. We need to be able to count on our mayor to be able to inspire n' make sound decisions without clouded judgment or emotional charge.

 

Scarlett: How difficult was the decision to run for Mayor, what pushed you to do so?

 

Hank: The decision wasn't too hard to make— I've been a public servant for a while now, but it's my priorities that changed slowly. Instead of focusing on the Port, I wanted to focus on what I could do for the greater community. I've grown upset with the veil pulled over our City Government, our Mayor not responding to any crises and shying away from the public eye— effectively doing nothing to advance the interests of our community.

 

Hank: We had a terrorist who did a car bombing not too long ago, we never heard nothing from him. Then we also had a serial killer running around. All blanks, no answers from our Mayor on what's going to be done to protect our families.

 

Frederick: You walk the streets these days in a low-income neighborhood, you're almost guaranteed to see a body laying on the ground. The situation is becoming dire.

 

Hank: It really is, change is desperately needed.

 

Scarlett: Challenging times, we need leaders willing to take that challenge. Something this City is in dire need of.. I'm sure the voters, on both sides of the spectrum, will agree with that.

 

Scarlett: If elected, what is your current priority of issues to tackle?

 

Hank: The first and absolute foremost is to call an election for the City Council— without the Council active, I legally can not take much action as Mayor without being able to have legislation, budget or policies voted on. It's my first n' foremost promise to double down and ensure accountability is held up, because if I miss step and mess up? The Council will be there to hold me to it.

 

Hank: While that's on going, I'd like to review how our municipal departments are operating, speak with our internal Directors, get meetings going to determine their operating issues, budgets and so forth. That way when the City Council is ready and active, we can get voted into place on what they need— which in turn I can start focusing on my outward promises to the people.

 

Hank: Infrastructure projects, blue collar jobs, tax refunds, press releases n' more.

 

Frederick: Crime and homelessness are a big issue to crack as well, affordable housing, you name it. 

 

Scarlett: Some top priorities the City has always needed to provide attention to, I'm sure the voters - and your supporters - can agree with that as well. Lots of work to do.

 

Hank: Indeed. I'm due for a meeting with our Police Chief n' Sheriff.

 

Scarlett: While those are priorities to tackle in the future, what do you consider your /single/ greatest accomplishment, as an individual - not just as a political candidate?

 

Hank: Outside of politics? My children.

 

Hank: I have an amazing son who's a veteran, and a daughter who is running her own business. My wife n' I are so proud of them, and me running for office is my way of trying' to make them proud. How many people can say their Dad did something to make their town a better place?

 

Scarlett: Not too many can say that, for sure. I bet your children are proud, along with your wife. A family man you are by the sounds of it, also important in any person. Political candidate, or not.

 

Scarlett: Over your career, what can you point to that demonstrates your commitment to the citizens of Los Santos, and the County?

 

Hank: Well, I can cite two or three accomplishments. I co-authored legislation that made trucking companies safer, as well as reinvented how our Port Authority works.

 

Hank: Secondly, I opened the doors for ex-offenders to find stable employment, turning them into blue-collar workers and getting them off the streets. I gave them a chance when no-one else did, something our colleagues in the Sheriff's Department n' P-D have thanked me for in the past.

 

Hank: Thirdly? I've been able to effectively liaise with a variety of small and large businesses in our city n' county. Setting up agreements to achieve government funded projects, public health, infrastructure.

 

Frederick: I've made some pretty good achievements as well - back in Liberty City, where I was formerly the Deputy Mayor, I spearheaded the installation of 5G kiosks, allowing better access to city services.

 

Frederick: Also made ground-breaking developments in record-keeping software that allowed transparent data for the people, keeping its City Government accountable. This is something Hank and I intend to do in Los Santos, accountability is at the forefront of our leadership.

 

Hank: Indeed— a big overhaul of our City's digital platform is incoming if we end up winning.

 

Hank: A phasing out of the old archaic forum system they use, and investing into automated forms that are easier for both the public and citizens to interact with.

 

Hank: Similar to how the LSPD utilizes their FLD application system.

 

Frederick: You'll be able to find job listings and all sorts; a gateway to city resources.

 

Scarlett: Very admirable, and without a doubt notable experiences with you both. Mr. Coleman, and Mr. Preston, something the voters will gladly appreciate to know come voting time.

 

Scarlett: One last question, something even myself shares with the voters in terms of curiosity - and may be one of the biggest.

 

Hank: We're all ears Scarlett.

 

Scarlett: What do you believe is the current Government's biggest failure, and how do you plan to be different - and correct it, to the best of your abilities?
 

Hank: I've said it for months now, almost a year at this point. It's transparency.

 

Hank: We don't know a single thing that goes on, we don't know what the Mayor's agenda is, what our operating budgets are.

 

Hank: We don't know if things are good, or bad— well, evidently bad with the current state of affairs. It's reasons like this that people have lost faith in their government.

 

Frederick: Have you noticed that it's often our agencies releasing statistics on things like crime? They're doing it out of necessity, as the City Government doesn't do it, and likely doesn't even stay in touch with said agencies to even have the data.

 

Hank: We haven't heard any official statements by Marcus Cambridge since the elections have been announced.

 

Hank: He's hiding away from the public eye like he always has.

 

Frederick: How do you manage a city without the data of what is happening? It's outstanding.  That's why the situation has become so dire.

 

Scarlett: Strong words, from one of the strong candidates.

 

Scarlett: That would be the end of my questions, however. Mr. Coleman, Mr. Preston, do you have any final words for the voters - or the hundreds of readers that may see this; what's one final thing you have to say to the general public, the people /you/ work for?

 

Frederick: Personally - I'd like to remind people to vote responsibly, don't band-wagon or believe everything you hear, do your research and vote for the platform that fits you best; and the candidate you believe who can implement it effectively.

 

Hank: Vote responsibly. We've seen people come out pledging to support candidates without really reading into their platform. Voting is our civic duty, and it is /very/ important to remain informed about who you're choosing to lead our city.

 

Scarlett: Thank you for taking the time to speak with the Los Santos Insider, we look forward to speaking with you again; and of course keeping the public informed of the campaigns, and ultimately the outcome. We hope to see you back some day soon.

 

Scarlett: Good luck Mr. Preston, Mr. Coleman.

 

Frederick: Thank you, Scarlett! It's been a pleasure.

 

Hank: We hope to see you n' everyone here at LSI again very soon, it's our duty to keep the public informed.

 

 

Los Santos Insider would like to thank both sets of candidates for their time during the interview process. We hope that further insight into the candidate's plans and campaign targets help our readers and listeners to make a more informed decision when selecting their new Mayor come the open voting period.

 

 

Have something to add? Leave a comment below!

 

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Comments are: Enabled

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Name:

Comment:

Edited August 27, 2023 by Remington

[eden ღ]

Name: FredColeman
Comment: Had an amazing time! Appreciate the invite.

[NexusExodus]

Username: Hank Preston

Comment: Looking forward to the next interview! 

[H04X]

Username: legaldeagle
Comment: Wow!

[Cartoonhead]

Username: Jackim2244

Comment: If you don't vote for these two, you don't care about the city of Los Santos and should leave!

[kiwii]

Name: concernedsinglemother

Comment: is mr preston going to donate his own money for tax refunds ?? he will have to cut the budget from various social safety nets, education, healthcare, and whatever else ! how will i put my kids in school if hank preston cuts down on our welfare ! i bet he is trying to keep us away from our dreams and force us all to work blue collar jobs in his own businesses !

[Engelbert]

Name: Panzer General Rommel

Comment: Mr. Preston claims transparency is the key, yet he and mr. Coleman befriend people on FB with white supremacist background. Isn't that bit shortsighted. If they don't check who they befriend on FB.

How could they run the city?

 

[eden ღ]

13 minutes ago, Engelbert said:

Name: Panzer General Rommel

Comment: Mr. Preston claims transparency is the key, yet he and mr. Coleman befriend people on FB with white supremacist background. Isn't that bit shortsighted. If they don't check who they befriend on FB.

How could they run the city?

 

Name: FredColeman
Comment: We get a constant stream of friend requests that we just accept to expand outreach; it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to check through every single profile. It's not an endorsement! I'm black - I can assure you Hank and I don't support neo-nazis, racists, or bigots of any kind.
 

 

16 minutes ago, kiwii said:

Name: concernedsinglemother

Comment: is mr preston going to donate his own money for tax refunds ?? he will have to cut the budget from various social safety nets, education, healthcare, and whatever else ! how will i put my kids in school if hank preston cuts down on our welfare ! i bet he is trying to keep us away from our dreams and force us all to work blue collar jobs in his own businesses !

Name: FredColeman
Comment: A tax refund is the act of paying back overpaid taxes, it's not a refund of legitimately owed taxes which make up the city's budget - it wouldn't cut funding; and would help families keep food on the table. It's an initiative we intend to collaborate with the State Government to bring about.

Edited August 27, 2023 by eden ღ

[Mitch]

Name: Resident 

Comment: I hope the Republicans commit to keeping our brave Firefighters from #Station52 and #Station1 with the appropriate resources and equipment. City Hall has failed to care for our Firefighters, something must change! 

Edited August 27, 2023 by Mitch

[Engelbert]

5 minutes ago, eden ღ said:

Name: FredColeman
Comment: We get a constant stream of friend requests that we just accept to expand outreach; it doesn't make a whole lot of sense to check through every single profile. It's not an endorsement! I'm black - I can assure you Hank and I don't support neo-nazis, racists, or bigots of any kind.
 

 

Name: FredColeman
Comment: A tax refund is the act of paying back overpaid taxes, it's not a refund of legitimately owed taxes which make up the city's budget - it wouldn't cut funding; and would help families keep food on the table. It's an initiative we intend to collaborate with the State Government to bring about.

Username: Panzer General Rommel

Comment: Well said. 🙂