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Dana Yates
| | Posted on Thursday, September 28, 2006 - 09:58 am: | |
Yee faces youngster for Senate
By Dana Yates, The Daily Journal
When 18-year-old Michael Skipakevich walks into the ballot booth for the second time in his life this November, the decision will be easy — he’ll vote for himself.
Skipakevich already managed to earn 12,201 votes and beat party-backed Oscar Braun in the Republican Primary for the District 8 state Senate seat. Now Skipakevich is facing off against Assembly Speaker Pro Tem Leland Yee, D-San Francisco, in November’s general election and he’s stumping the district to convince the heavily Democratic area he’s the right man for the job.
Skipakevich doesn’t represent politics as usual.
At 18, he’s working as the director of marketing for Oscar Knows, Inc, a company run by his former opponent. Braun hired the young candidate after losing to him in the primary. Skipakevich also privately tutors Japanese language students, served as marketing manager for the Russian Renaissance Restaurant in San Francisco and is a partner in a private security and surveillance system company.
He’s also fluent in Ukranian, Japanese and Polish.
When did he have time for school? Skipakevich graduated from Lowell High School two years early by completing his high school proficiency exam. Skipakevich finished nearly two years of undergraduate coursework at San Francisco City College. He’s been recognized by The Nobel Family, nominated to serve on the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine and is a member of the Honor Society at school, according to statements on his Web site.
Now Skipakevich is spending his time campaigning in San Mateo County. He’s had sit-downs with principals at four high schools ands he’s willing to meet with anyone willing to listen.
“I was tired of the usual tired games that political parties play,” Skipakevich said at last night’s Beresford Hillsdale Neighborhood Association Candidate’s Forum. “This isn’t political rhetoric. I am sick of politics as usual.”
Skipakevich didn’t seek party endorsement when he ran and won the primary. And he’s not seeking it now.
His campaign is simple and self funded. He is creating his own digital commercials, which he’ll air on his Web site beginning this week. He took aim at Yee for taking hundreds of thousands of dollars for his campaign from special interests such as Indian tribes, oil companies and pharmaceutical firms.
Yee, 59, started his political career about the same time Skipakevich was born and openly admits to taking money from special interests, but said he never lets it affect his voting.
“I represent your interests come hell or high water,” he told last night’s small crowd. “At the end of the day, I will always vote my conscience.”
Yee complimented Skipakevich on his accomplishments and determination but urged the crowd to vote for someone with a better grasp on the issues.
Skipakevich compiled most of his answers to previously prepared questions from various Web sites. He admitted to not knowing much about Bay Meadows or Proposition 90, the state eminent domain initiative on November’s ballot. He wants the district to develop a better disaster preparedness program and improve education. The key to making that happen requires leaders who communicate with the public, Skipakevich said.
The “Kid” impressed the crowd and many congratulated him on his appearance after last night’s meeting.
One man suggested he grow a beard to make him “look a little older.”
Dana Yates can be reached by e-mail: dana@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 106. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com. |
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