Kokta asks voters to put issues over partisanship

Robert Kokta, BK '00, knew he was up for a challenge when he announced his candidacy for Ward One alderman. As a Republican in a predominantly Democratic district, Kokta needs Yalies to put their political affiliations aside and focus on real issues if he is to win, and he knows it.

"When Yale students go to Dwight Hall on November 4th, they will have a clear understanding that this race is not just about a Democrat and a Republican or a Liberal and a Conservative. It is about changing the way New Haven does politics. My interests lie with the voters, not with the party bosses," he said.

Kokta's platform centers on reducing crime, improving education, and revitalizing the economy. He said he strongly believes that bringing a first-run movie theater would revive downtown New Haven by encouraging more people to come out and attracting more businesses.

Running for alderman requires a strong commitment to New Haven. While most Yalies regard New Haven as their temporary residence for nine months out of the year, Kokta, who came to Yale from Washougal, Wash., considers New Haven to be his home.

As a freshman, he participated in the CityScapes program sponsored by Dwight Hall. He had the opportunity to see first hand the poverty, economic stagnation, and apathy affecting the city. Feelin compelled to act, Kokta decided to run for alderman. "Real change will not come unless we are brave enough to vote for it. New Haven is broken, and it is time we fixed it," Kokta said.

While most Yalies find balancing academic, extracurricular, and social activities to be an overwhelming task, Kokta has quickly learned to juggle the demands of college life while running for political office.

For Kokta, a typical day includes waking up at 8 a.m.to study or go to class, preparing various campaign materials during the afternoon, and having lunch with potential voters.

"Door-to-door campaigning usually encompasses most of my evenings, and I get to bed around 2:30 a.m. or later," Kokta said. But he said he doesn't see running for office as having many adverse consequences; rather he has enjoyed the challenge immensely. "I believe in working with the New Haven community. Being able to play a part in solving problems has certainly supplemented my Yale education," he said.

Running for alderman is not an easy task. Kokta concedes he had to get used to functioning on little sleep and participating in fewer activities. Formerly in a band, Kokta has had to abandon this and other social activities until after the election.

Kokta and his staff spend a significant amount of time preparing speeches, working on his platform, and meeting voters. Larry Schooler, BK '00, Kokta's press secretary, said, "It is amazing when you realize all of the little details that go into running a campaign."

With election day less than a month away, Kokta enters the final stages of his first political campaign. Yalies who have yet to meet Kokta can expect to see him giving speeches on Cross Campus or visiting their dorm rooms within the next few weeks. The Yale Political Union is sponsoring a debate between Kokta and his Democratic challenger Julio Gonzalez, CC '99, on Mon., Oct. 27.

Regardless of the outcome in the Tues., Nov. 4 election, Kokta considers his first political endeavor to be an educational experience, and hopes his suggestions for bettering the city of New Haven will eventually translate into effective public policy.

Related Herald articles from the archives:

• Gonzalez brings balance and concern to campaign
• 2 Yalies vie for Civin's spot on Board of Alderman

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