As a lifetime resident of Minneapolis, Marcus Harcus feels he has an obligation to his hometown. He is running for mayor with hopes of making a positive, constructive contribution to the city.

To provide an alternative to the “fruitless major parties,” Harcus established the People’s Party, which is based on independence and “thinking outside the box.”

As a native of north Minneapolis, Harcus said he hopes by focusing on developing the younger generation of the city to destroy the illusions that cause ignorance and confusion.

“My main focus is on the youth,” he said. “I want to dramatically reform the public school system.”

In order to help Minneapolis youth, Harcus said he wants to aid them in becoming self-defined, self-determined and self-sufficient. He does not know where he will get the money to pay for programs but said helping the youth is more important to him than the concern about financial constraints.

Fellow mayoral candidate Travis Manning said he does not think much can be done without significant funding.

“Money brings change,” Manning said. “Without funding, it won’t happen.”

Although significantly younger than most of the candidates, Harcus, 23, said he believes his age is an asset.

“Who’s best to relate to the youth than a young person?” he said. “I’m the most energetic candidate out there.”

Harcus, who spends his time as a poet and author, calls himself a spiritually oriented student of life. He quit his job to run for mayor.

Al Israel, who has helped Harcus record his poetry for five years, said he thinks Harcus will help to revitalize the city.

“It will be good to have new blood in the office,” Israel said. “He does tend to get a bit carried away at times, but I think he has a lot to offer the position and the community.”

Along with focusing on the youth, Harcus said he will eliminate racial profiling by speaking with the police and ordering them to stop the practice.

“Words with works,” the theme of Harcus’ campaign, is a humanitarian initiative designed to combat hypocrisy and negativity, he said.

The idea behind words with works is to keep commitments and promises made during the campaign and in life. He said most candidates make false promises to get elected, which is not the way he wants to get into office.

“We need to hold people accountable for their words,” he said. “I hope to influence politicians to do this also.”

Harcus said, if elected, his term in office will be a positive aggressive experience.

“I’m not perfect,” he said. “But I’m ready.”

Maggie Hessel-Mial welcomes comments at [email protected]