Broke-Ass of the Week – SF Board of Education Candidate Matt Haney
Every week we feature a different person from the community shedding a little light on their life of brokeitude. Who knows, maybe you’ll learn something about the human spirit…probably not.
Wanna be a Broke-Ass of the Week? Holler at us here and we’ll send you the questionnaire.
I’m pretty sure Matt Haney is the only person to be Broke-Ass of the Week twice. I dig it though, Matt is running in this election to be on the San Francisco Board of Education. You can check out his campaign stuffs on his site. And you know what? If Matt wins I’m gonna start considering myself San Francisco’s king maker. Why? Because he will be the second person to win public office after being Broke-Ass of the Week. The first was Jane Kim. Fuck yeah! Anyways, read below for Matt’s great tips on being a broke-ass and then check out his site to learn why you should vote for him.
Name: Matt Haney
Age: 30
Occupation: I’m the Executive Director of the UC Student Association and a candidate for the San Francisco Board of Education. As the Executive Director of UCSA, I advocate and organize with students all over the state to try to make sure that all the Broke A** students out there can afford to stay in school and not be in debt for the rest of their lives. And as a candidate for the School Board, I’m running because in a place as wealthy and progressive as San Francisco, we should be able to have the best schools in the world. If the cost of living in San Francisco is going to be higher than anywhere, the least we can do is offer world class schools so that everyone has a fair shot to make it. Check me out: www.haneyforschoolboard.com
What neighborhood do you live in?: Hayes Valley.
Best money saving tip: Get a couple sweatshirts that you really like. In the Bay, there are six months of the year where you can have that be your wardrobe and not have to worry about new clothes.
What do you refuse to spend money on?: I don’t have cable, let alone own a TV. Too expensive and complicated. And apparently you have to be at home at some point to have Comcast or whoever come set up your cable. Ain’t nobody got time for that.
Most expensive thing you’ve ever bought: Still my education, hands down. I have four degrees, so I’m about $150,000 in debt last I checked. It’s probably higher now though, if that’s possible. Damn you interest.
How’d that feel?: Well, I enjoyed it and it got me to where I am today, so I’m thankful for it. I think its ridiculous though that people need to take on that much debt in order to get an education. It’s an unsustainable model. I still think education is a right, and that it should be free. Even though I’ll continue making my loan payments begrudgingly, I’ll fight to do whatever we can to change this. We’re becoming a generation buried in debt, and I think we need to fight back.
Favorite cheap eat: Momi Tobys. I hit this place up every morning for a coffee and bagel. I’m a fan.
Favorite dive bar: Place Pigale. One block from my house, now owned by a good buddy Michael O’Connor who also owns The Independent and Brick and Mortar. He fixed it up a bit, but still real divey and dark, great place to get a good beer, talk politics, play a game of pool, and pet someone else’s dog.
Best deal you’ve ever gotten?: I’m going to say my microwave. Just $30, yet it prepares all my meals for me! Thank you microwave!
Favorite free thing to do: Watching random YouTube videos and posting on Facebook.
If you woke up a millionaire, what’s the first thing you’d buy?: I’d pay off my loans, my Mom’s loans, and my sister’s loans. I hate owing people stuff. And seriously Sallie Mae, it really isn’t cool to call me seven times before 10am on a Saturday? Not cool at all Sallie.
Despite not having money, do you still love your life?: Yes, definitely. I feel very blessed, and I wake up happy on most days. I’m running for School Board because I’ve been able to have a lot of opportunities in my life, and I feel its important that when you’re in that situation that you pay it forward. Happiness requires a balance, and a huge part of that balance for me comes in trying to repay what I have been given. I’m by far the youngest person running for School Board and one of the few that are still broke and live paycheck to paycheck. But that’s the reality for most people, and so our voices need representation too. I know what it’s like to be a student and to be a young person trying to survive and stay in San Francisco.
Do you own my book?: Does it cost money?
Best hangover cure: Pho. Magic soup. It’s like with each spoonful, you can feel your soul being restored and life returning to your body. And I’m going to say Carrot Juice is my runner up. There must be a worldwide conspiracy to prevent people from knowing how tasty carrot juice is and how superior it is to orange juice. Silky smooth.
Are you a hipster?: Sadly, probably not. Even if I was at one time, I probably don’t qualify any more. Hipsters are way too cool to run for office. Or at least too cynical.
