Hello. I’m Elliot Oats, Running for a Green and Affordable Future

My journey in activism started early, walking the CTU strike lines with my father as a child, which helped push me toward being the union steward I am today.

Walking the Amazon and Mauser strike lines has helped me see what it’s like for workers, getting to talk to my fellow working class Americans and being able to hear how companies abused them has inspired me to help assure that humans shouldn’t be subjected to those issues, of money and safety. 

My hobbies are aligned to my choices and goals; My experience will enable me to legislate safe infrastructure, not just for me but also for the children who help build the family model that makes up Evanston. It will help me advocate for working class families who’s children and teenagers need to get around without a car. I’ve been biking since high school, and know what it’s like to navigate Evanston streets and which need improvement for greater safety. 

What I lack in years I make up for with the life experience I’ve obtained from working since graduating in a job, often averaging 35 hours a week to pay rent, though not full time. It’s a commitment that has dragged down my schooling, and something that I want to help Evanston fight back on by assuring that rent is affordable to those who come after me, even at lower pay rates, so that they don’t need roommates to make ends meet while trying to organize an education along side a job. I will,  in this regard, be a champion for the dwindling working class of Evanston.

 I spend my free time in some advocacy, photography, travel, and working on my bikes. Being able to push for more affordable housing will allow more people to spend more time on hobbies, rather than making ends meet with 2 jobs.