Once the 2016 presidential election was finished, there was an increase of concern many Americans had. America’s leader seemed to have it out for diverse groups, and many felt threatened in their own homes. Soon after the election, political knowledge any common person had was raised and due to this, more and more people have begun to take steps to protect their communities.
Patricia (Trish) Munro has lived in the Tri-Valley area for almost 40 years and she has been an active member of the community ever since. As the grandchild of Russian Jewish immigrants, Trish has deep roots in nurturing family values, being taught by her mother to make the world a better place. Now, as a candidate for city council, Trish aims to do just that.
As a sociology major, Trish Munro prides herself in carrying out independent research, to help give her new perspectives in life. By studying religious congregations, Trish was able to find connections.
“Congregations are places where individuals come together to make community,” Munro said, “you get big ideas that come down in there, you have people’s opinions that percolate up, all this negotiating. And that’s exactly what cities do.”
As Trish was studying and applying her research into daily life, she started noticing how small congregations worked, the same process applied to how city politics.
The 2016 election was a major turning point for Trish Munro. Munro started to feel that due to changes in how people were treated on a national level, those same people started to not feel safe, even in her own hometown.
“Part of my identity, is to try to make the world a better place, I thought about that, and I decided I had the time to do it,” Trish said.
In Dec. of 2016, a large menorah that the city of Livermore stands up for Chanukah was violated. A barbed wire figure in the shape of the crown of thorns and a white shroud was hung up on the menorah. Reviving the belief that Jews were responsible for the death of Jesus. Because of this, Munro started to feel threatened. “I started off with a general sense that I could be more involved in politics, and that really hit after that event.” Munro said. “I realized that I’ve lived here for a long time, I’ve cared about the community and I’ve taken it hugely for granted. And that stopped.”
Trish already has plans if she is elected into city council. Focusing on the building a unique history as the city of Livermore looks towards the future. One plan is carrying out the approved downtown plan. This plan adds different structures to Livermore’s downtown area like apartments, some shops and restaurant spaces, as well as more parking. “I am frankly appalled that people still want to deny this plan… it was voted on by several different groups of people with different goals, and they came up and put together a plan that meets everyone’s needs.” Trish said.
Trish advocates for students to vote, not just in national elections, but especially on a local level. “Everybody should vote, at every level, everything ripples, you can change or maintain things that go on at a local level.” Trish argues further, “If someone wants to really see change in the nation, the best place to see it happen is to vote locally.” Look forward to what comes of the upcoming elections on November 6.
Update: Munro won a seat in Livermore City Council
