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The Sun interviewed Jen Kruch and Taylor Moore, co-chairs of the Northwest Michigan Democratic Socialists of America chapter in mid-October—several weeks before Zohran Mamdani won the mayoral election in New York City on Nov. 4. Mamdani’s swift rise to power has been a shot in the arm for Democratic Socialists nationwide, at a moment when many feel alienated by the two country’s two main political parties. We asked Kruch and Moore about: their inspiration for launching the local DSA group; their thoughts on the Democratic Party and on Mamdani’s win and what it means for the DSA nationwide; what particular issues or policy proposals they may champion locally, and what misconceptions exist about DSA.

The Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council—an advocacy group which has fought to protect northern Michigan’s environment through citizen action and education since 1980—held its 34th environmentalist of the year award celebration on April 14 at the Milliken Auditorium at Northwestern Michigan College. Leelanau County residents Kate Thornhill, Ty Wessell, and Taylor Moore received awards.

In June Taylor Moore, 30, manager of Goodwill Food Rescue, and Tori Craig 31, primary assistant at The Children’s House Montessori school, embarked on a five-day, 120-mile walking journey through Leelanau County. Their big trek was featured in the “Living in Leelanau” podcast, which is produced by 13-year-old Evelyn Martel (Click here for a link to that podcast). In this interview with the Glen Arbor Sun, Taylor and Tori shared the inspiration for their trip, stories and reflections along the way, as well as food and songs that found their way into the journey.

Taylor Moore sits cheerfully under the shady trees outside the downtown Traverse City café Morsels on a brisk day. It’s not his shift at work, and he’s watching the construction vehicles at work across the street with a smile, not car envy. “I’ve always wanted to drive a truck, since I was a kid.” He has his own super-mobile of choice, the Food Rescue box truck, and driving it is one of the perks of his job. “There’s something really pleasant about it. People are really friendly on the road, and you’ve got to concentrate, and it’s a big, loud vehicle … it’s sweet.”