We caught up with Mario Teran, a Roslindale Democrat, before he shipped out to Charlotte for the Democratic National Convention.

Here's what he had to say.

Q: Are we going to see you on TV in a funny hat?

"Maybe."

Q: Do you feel that your presence at the convention will make an impact? How so?

"I’m hoping so. I want to be actively involved in all the main meetings and committees. Hopefully [I'll] make a lot of connections with people that could lead to other collaborations in the Democratic party and local and national politics."

Q: These days a lot of people are disenchanted with the two major parties. What makes you proud of your party? 

"I don’t believe that the Democratic party is 100% correct all the time, but I think they do a good job of trying to promote the values that are best for the overall society. I believe that the Democratic party overall does a good job…. [and they're] Doing a better job of being more inclusive. Most of the Democratic candidates are more likely to support pro immigration laws or policies."

Q: Do you know other delegates going, or are you about to join thousands of strangers on the convention floor?

"I know delegates that are going. I’m going to have a fundraiser with other delegates to cover some of the trip costs. I know delegates from Lawrence, delegates from Boston. I know a few."

Q: What are you looking forward to most at the convention? 

"Becoming more politically connected. In other words, networking."

Q: What would you want your neighbors to know about the convention?

"It’s a fun event. It’s an important part of the political process. I would like to see them become more involved as delegates or at the caucus."

Q: What is it like being a high profile Democrat in Roslindale?

"People start to recognize you, start to recognize your name, start to know that you’re doing a lot of good work for the Democratic party. I think people start to look at you for leadership. The people who have been in the democractic party for a while like to see young blood come in."

Q: If Obama asked you what issues really matter in Roslindale, what would you say?

"Economic development. Immigration. Jobs. Safety—in terms of safer roads and driving conditions."

Q: What do you wish people in your town knew more about Obama?

"His record is often times is distorted by the republicans. The ACA would allow 9 million more latinos to get healthcare and that the president really works hard on their behalf to create a beter world. The president is for everybody playing by the same rules, and I think that’s something that people in Roslindale would apprciate." 
 

Q: What is the most surprising thing that you’ve seen or heard about the convention?

"There’s a lot to do. I think the challenge is to manage all the different activities that are going to go on and try to make the most out of it."