Putting People Before Politics: What it Means to be a Pirate.

The United States Pirate Party stands for freedom, transparency, and digital rights in the 21st century. We believe government should be open and accountable, technology should empower - not control - people, and every citizen deserves privacy, access to information, and a voice in shaping the future. We fight for policies that protect civil liberties, end mass surveillance, and strengthen democracy through direct participation and transparency.

On November 2nd the Pirate National Committee of the United States Pirate Party unanimously voted to endorse me and my candidacy for Sparks City Council, Ward 2.

Over the past few months, a few of my supporters have asked why I’m registered with the Pirate Party - and some have even suggested I switch to Democrat, Republican, or Independent to attract more votes.

My answer has always been the same: I’m not going to change my registration just to win an election. Doing that would be insincere, dishonest, and frankly unethical.

I want people to vote for me because they can see my genuine love for Sparks and our community. I joined the United States Pirate Party back in college because I believe in its core principles - “planks” - especially its first plank: putting people before corporations.

That value is at the heart of why I’m running. This is a local race. This is about representing my neighbors - listening, being accessible, and addressing the real issues affecting our daily lives. It’s about showing up, even when the conversations are uncomfortable or the decisions are difficult.

Being a City Councilmember means making tough calls that put residents first - not choosing what’s easy or politically convenient and calling it, “the hard decision,” to avoid accountability.

Every decision made by the Sparks City Council impacts the people of Ward 2, and all 110,000 residents of this great city.

Someone I really admire once told me, “The potholes don’t ask who you voted for - they ruin your day just the same.” And that’s exactly right. It doesn’t matter if you’re a Democrat, Republican, Independent, Green - or a Pirate like me. What matters is that we put people first.

This campaign is about neighbors helping neighbors. It’s about putting Ward 2 first. It’s about loving our city, our community, and each other.

Because Sparks works best when we work together.

- Hunter