In this week’s episode, host Ryan Coonerty sits down with Representative Arturo Alonso-Sandoval, the youngest member of the Oklahoma legislature. Instead of pursuing a high-paying job as a mechanical engineer, Alonso-Sandoval decided to run for office during his senior year of college to serve the community where he grew up. Rep. Alonso-Sandoval talks about his motivation for getting into politics, ideas for drawing more young people to elected office, his advocacy for underserved communities, his fight against draconian anti-immigrant laws, and his efforts in shaping AI policy. Tune in to learn why Representative Alonso-Sandoval believes effective policy making requires having diverse voices at the table.

IN THIS EPISODE: 

• [01:04] Introducing today’s guest, Oklahoma’s Representative, Arturo Alonso-Sandoval.

• [01:15] What listeners can expect to hear during today’s conversation.

• [02:00] He unpacks his decision and motivation to run for office in his senior year of college.

• [06:20] We discuss ideas on how to get more people, like Representative Alonso-Sandoval to run for office (at all levels).

• [10:00] Representative Alonso-Sandoval describes in detail his experience running for office.

• [12:48] He talks about his slogan “The Future is Ours” and the heart behind it.

• [13:50] What it’s like serving in office in Oklahoma.

• [15:15] His thoughts on creating sustainable systems using his engineering concepts.

• [17:55] How he advocates for his community and breaks down assumptions about himself.

• [21:54] We look at anti-immigration measures, mobilizing communities against them, and the prospects going forward.

• [28:36] He expounds on one of the projects he’s involved with: You Have a Voice.

• [29:16] He sheds light on his concerns with anti-immigration laws.

• [32:00] We discuss AI regulations and his work with AI in the legislature.