Radical Civility: The Social Work of Politics w/ Dick Spotswood #207

In this episode of Moped Outlaws, we welcome Dick Spotswood—former mayor of Mill Valley, longtime columnist for the Marin Independent Journal, and a man with decades of civic experience under his belt. Dick takes us behind the scenes of California politics, where he once drove State Senator George Moscone to campaign stops and shared political space with future San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk. His memories are sharp, his insights are sobering, and his tone is refreshingly candid.

From political lunch clubs to public boards, Dick traces a timeline of service that celebrates cooperation, curiosity, and the courage to listen. He reflects on Moscone’s quiet leadership and openness, and shares a rare story about not recognizing Milk after he famously cut his ponytail. These aren’t just anecdotes—they’re insights into a political era where relationships mattered more than rigid ideologies.

We also explore the real story behind why BART never came to Marin, dig into identity politics, and discuss why today’s best advocates are those who lead with humility and homework.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:

Why politics used to feel more like public service than partisan war.
How the loss of ethnic identity made room for political identity.
What really happened with BART in Marin—and why the myth persists.
Tips for becoming a more effective advocate in civic forums.
What Moscone and Milk’s legacies still teach us about inclusion and courage.

“Politics is about relationships. The essential trait is the ability to work broadly with people. You learn that the hard way.” — Dick Spotswood

🎧 Listen now and reimagine politics as a form of radical civility.

📰 Want to read more from Dick Spotswood?
Check out his regular columns in the Marin Independent Journal:
👉 marinij.com/author/dick-spotswood

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