Reverend Billy Runs for NYC Mayor

Friends, I apologize for the late post, but perhaps this next announcement will make some of you smile. So folks, it looks like Reverend Billy of the Church of Stop Shopping is running for the Mayor of New York City. The New York Times reports that the longtime street activist has sought to challenge incumbent mayor Michael Bloomberg for the top New York City post and is being back by the Green Party. Co-chairman of the Green Party's campaign committee, Gloria Mattera, insists that this is a serious candidacy,

This is a chance not just to stand up against Bloomberg but to stand up against corporate interests as well.

Reverend Billy (né William C. Talen) has been a longtime foe of corporate America and unsustainable consumption. His main archnemesis, Starbucks, was the scene for his 2007 arrest and his fight against Starbucks became the subject of the film, What Would Jesus Buy?. Reverend Billy has been on the side of local and independent business and has been an advocate of Fair Trade. Back in November, the Fair Trade blog shared a Fair Trade song that Reverend Billy and his choir sang out through the streets of NYC.

Mmmm...we love the smell of justice in the morning! The Stop Shopping Choir sings "We like Fair Trade 'cuz it's tasty", and soon you will too! ... So let's dodge the sweatshop coffee at Starbucks and discover a hot, local coffee shop in your area that really supports Fair Trade! Let's check the labels, investigate products online and ask the store clerks if they carry Fair Trade products. If not, tell them it's about time they did!

Reverend Billy and the Green Party believe that he is the much needed alternative that NYC is looking for. An alternative that is willing to reclaim NYC for the people and take power from the hands of corporations and Wall Street interests. According to the newly launched Reverend Billy for Mayor website, Rev. Billy means (ethical) business,

Our campaign will be devoted to nourishing and strengthening our common wealth, our city's heritage, our lovely parks, roads, streets, neighborhoods, and the people who live in them. This city once belonged to us, and it will once again. It's time for all of us to rise up and reclaim our wonderful city from Starbucks and the other awful chain stores, from real estate speculators and the predators on Wall Street. Together, we'll give New York back to the people who love it.

Local economies anchored by independent shops and public spaces are not as sexy to this administration as luxury boxes, corporate jets and the like, but really the greatness of this city is in its neighborhoods.

As mayor I would re-establish the importance of the things we hold in common trust. And there is a living relationship between our green spaces in the city and the changing earth that threatens from the horizons.

Although the mayoral ballot is in November, it's never too soon to start the campaign trail. He has time to get those 7,500 signatures to get on the ballot and his campaign and looking to raise at least $250,000 to qualify for matching funds from the city. With the Green Party's backing, it looks very possible that the race will be on. So, could it be? Will we see a mayoral race with a Fair Trade activist that will push for the empowerment of local economies? A mayoral race in the largest city in the United States no less. Show us what you've got NYC. In the words of Rev. Billy,

This campaign will be the revolt of the fabulous 500 neighborhoods, amen!