Nathan Tupper’s Background
Tupper is a near-graduating senior at the University of Idaho studying political science. After growing up in the Boise area, he decided to move away from home and attend UI to make a life of his own.
Tupper initially picked psychology for his major but switched his academic focus after realizing his love for politics. Subsequently, he became increasingly interested in learning about the mechanics of government on all levels. Coupled with his personal affection for the Moscow community, Tupper decided that running for a city council seat would give him an opportunity to potentially utilize his political skillset in a way that would allow him to get out of his comfort zone.
What are your main campaign goals and what do you want to change in Moscow?
Tupper is focused on finding solutions relating to housing development and ways to ensure that low-income housing is available to both UI students and residents of Moscow alike.
“I remember being a 19-year-old coming up here and not having a lot of options when it came to rent after I wanted to be out of the dorms,” said Tupper.
Additionally, Tupper thinks that, if elected, he would be able to inspire other young people to consider running for office themselves.
“We can do this, it’s our time to be leaders, and we don’t have to sit in the background anymore.”
In what ways can the relationship between the University of Idaho and Moscow community be improved?
Tupper is seeking to hold more meetings between the Moscow City Council and UI affiliated groups, such as ASUI. He believes that, because the city and university are so interconnected, it would be beneficial to have more frequent engagement between those involved in working with each institution.
Tupper also noted that increasing communications could extend to conversations about housing development. This could entail a coordinated dialogue amongst apartment renters, property owners, and the city council.
Are there any problems or areas of improvement in Moscow you have identified?
“I think, in general, we should be a community that looks out for each other, and that we should be a community that doesn’t try to cause itself to be at war,” said Tupper. “I think Christ Church has done that in the past.”
Personally, Tupper feels he has a certain responsibility to be honest, transparent, and call out to those who he thinks deserve it, even if that means he needs to be explicit. Presently, it seems Christ Church’s influence on Moscow is not something Tupper thinks should be left unchecked.
Why should people vote for you?
“I am of our generation,” said Tupper in reference to the student population and young adults in general. Tupper believes he can positively represent young people if elected to city council and has previously held leadership positions and gained experience which he could call upon while serving as councilor.
Tupper is also someone who hopes to foster a better sense of community within Moscow on behalf of its entire citizenry.
“I want to be the kind of candidate that encourages that kind of culture where, instead of being at each other’s throats, that we’re willing to get to the talking.”
Herman Roberts can be reached at [email protected]