An Irish African-American teenager says he wants to be mayor of New York to help his city.
18-year-old Thomas Downs is believed to be the youngest candidate to run for mayoral office there.
His father, Ronan Downs, emigrated from Ireland to the US back in 1974.
Thomas says he is running as an independent “because we need solid bipartisan efforts to effect the changes that will benefit us.
“I will fight for environmental reforms, small business support plans, and aiding low-income communities as your Mayor. I am eager and ready to serve the people of New York”, he says.
Thomas Downs. Picture by: Thomas Downs For Mayor
He told Lunchtime Live running for mayor means he can help the most people.
“The big thing for me running for mayor is really to improve this city in any way I can, and really working towards helping people and ensuring our city government works for the people.
“Every young person, typically, can have the dream of running for president – but I feel like this realistically is the best way to help the most people in the shortest amount of time.
“I think I can handle a lot of responsibility; I’ve been working a lot throughout the pandemic in small business, I’ve been ensuring that our businesses work well, I’ve been helping out a lot.
“And I think I can do a lot of good for New York City.”
Among the areas he wants to focus on are lifting people out of low-income situations, as well as transport.
“That’s where I can really help to improve the city, with my knowledge on public transportation especially, to really benefit our system”.
Thomas said he has signed up to be in the election, and petitioned to get enough signatures to be on the ballot.
“Everything on my side has been done in order to be on the ballot in November, and actually run throughout the summer.”
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His dad Ronan emigrated from Dublin in 1974, after he got was offered a college place there.
“I played soccer so I got a scholarship to come to the States, and I stayed.
“I didn’t plan on staying, I was like everybody else, but it was just one of those things.
“And I love New York City, just like my son does… we live in Manhattan, right in the centre of things.
“He is only 18, but he’s sounded like this since he was eight or nine years of age.
“He’s a formidable young man who really believes in this city, and I believe he can help.
Thomas Downs (left) and his father Ronan. Picture by: Supplied
“I am proud of him, and the city should be proud of him as well.
“He has no other interests other than bettering the city”.
Asked if he worried about his son going into politics, Ronan said: “I’m not because Thomas is a very altruistic young man.
“He’s in it for the good of the people, I’m not worried about someone like Thomas because he is who is he – I’m so proud to be able to say that.
“Of course politics is a dirty game, we’ve seen that throughout the years, no matter what area you are in – whether it be Ireland, the United States or anywhere else.
“But Thomas is an exceptional young fella, and I just he think has got a lot to give in this world of ours”.
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