19 Comments
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Peter Mullins's avatar

This was the most articulate and convincing interview with a politician I have seen in many a year. This household of 3 voters are all in for Arianna.

Craig Attanasio's avatar

Love it! So refreshing, a political leader who gets it and tells it like it is. She even name checked my hero, Abraham Lincoln.

"The dogmas of the quiet past are inadequate for the stormy present"

-A Lincoln, December 1, 1862

Let's hope more people begin to take notice, step away from their comfortable existences, get out there, and start doing things. The struggle for today is not altogether for today. It is for a vast future for our children and grandchildren. If not us, then who?

Arianna Barrios's avatar

Ahhh - thank you Mr. Craig. I'm stealing that Lincoln quote!

Craig Attanasio's avatar

From Chapter 13 in "On Tyranny" by Timothy Snyder, the go to expert on authoritarian politics:

"Power wants your body softening in your chair and your emotions dissipating on the screen. Get outside. Put your body in unfamiliar places with unfamiliar people. Make new friends and march with them."

That's the only way we are going to defeat this.

Harvey Englander's avatar

Arianna's father Russ was one of Orange great community leaders. He served on the OUSD board with my former wife, Dr. Sandy Gilbert. I am confident Arianna will make a great MAYOR.

Arianna Barrios's avatar

Well my goodness - there's a blast from the past. I believe my sister and I used to babysit for you Mr. Englander. My Pop and Miss Sandy went through some times. Hope you are well and thank you for the kind words - I feel that way about Russ too.

Ethel Rogers's avatar

Wow! Wish I lived in Orange to vote for her! Go Arianna!

JIM LEACH's avatar

Great piece, Jeff. I've known Arianna for many years. She's a great lady (as you captured in your interview) and tough as nails. She'll be a great mayor.

Arianna Barrios's avatar

Thank you Jim...please give my very best and a big hug to the lovely Miss Dot!

Elel's avatar

I'm running for city council in a city facing issues much like you do in Orange. This current council does the same thing Orange has by shuffling the money around to cover this and that - right down to the new fire house, but I'll raise you a parking lot being built for a private entity using city funds and resources. It's going to be a tough road once I get on, but I'm ready for it. If you're open to it, I'd love to have a conversation with you to see what you recommend when it comes to combing thru the budget. Please send me a message and I'll tell you who I am and where I'm running 🙌

Arianna Barrios's avatar

WOW - that's really something. I'll DM you!

Ronna Sarvas Weltman's avatar

Help elect Ariana, friends. If you can’t canvass for her, then help reach voters in other ways by enabling her campaign to reach them. I just donated. Now it’s your turn. Click “like” if you joined me in donating. https://secure.anedot.com/barrios-for-mayor-2026/donate

Samuraineko's avatar

Wish I lived in OC and could vote for Arianna.

RYAN's avatar

This stood out to me, as someone who has been taken advantage of by the Democratic party, which merely pays lip service to popular policies, but then gets in line to serve corporate overlords.

CoralSparkle's avatar

re: "I describe my strategy as hold the middle and unite the left"

Positioning herself as a left-leaning centrist is her strategy in order to attract some Republican swing voters while still appealing to the Democrat base. Those constituents on the far left (DSA-centric, although they would often say they are not far left but are "big tent"), and on the far right (MAGA) will be more challenging to attract using this strategy. Given the political registration statistics, not alienating most on the left (with the exception of DSA-centric voters), and being centric enough to attract some non-MAGA Republicans, may be enough to win the election.

Harvey Englander's avatar

Thanks. It's hard to believe that Adam is now 47 with his own 4 and 3 year old children and Josh is 44 with almost 16 and 13 year old sons. Be sure to send me information about contributing to your campaign. My Email is harvey@englander.la and my website is theenglandergroup.com. BTW...Adam and Josh are both in the public affairs/government relations world, as well.