Ran For Public Office

by Golf 4 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  Golf

  Every two years my home town has local elections. This past week-end was my second attempt, and for the second time my number of votes wasn't sufficient enough to be a councilperson. One must contend against a strong influential group (KC) that controls who gets in office or not.

  My view of running for council is best summed up by Theodore Roosevelt; "It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end triumph of high achievement; and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails without daring greatly; SO THAT HIS PLACE SHALL NEVER BE WITH THOSE COLD AND TIMID SOULS WHO KNOW NEITHER VICTORY NOR DEFEAT." (Italics mine)

  Guest 77
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  exjdub

  Golf, Sorry for the loss. I have been involved in a couple of neighborhood issues that required a stand against the city that we live in (small city). Naturally, anytime someone takes a stand, people ask you to run for Mayor or Commissioner. I have been considering it, but I am not sure what it entails. Any thoughts or reflections on your efforts would be welcome. What did you like about running? What didn't you like? Are you going to try again, etc.? exjdub
• 

  SixofNine

  Well, I'm sure the loss still stings. I salute your efforts to take part and give of yourself.

  Btw, if you're interested, you should read about Roosevelt's time as police commisioner (chief?) of New York City.
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  Carmel

  Then consider the role of an enzyme. Not part of the chemical reaction but in many cases absolutely necessary for the reaction to take place. Planting ideas, supporting causes of worth and performing random acts of service are always open to the "unelected" and frequently effect more benefit upon society than all the wannabe's combined. Think about it. How do you define leadership?

  carmel
• 

  Golf

  exjdub, I can only answer your question to my experience. First, my town consists of families and relatives. Interestingly, the amount of votes I did receive was very much the same as the previous election. Mind you, the voter turn out wasn't that great. My first attempt was just an experiment, a feeler. The second attempt was based on helping the community. My plans and agenda was set-up and I kept it confidential.

  What does running entail? You better be ready for criticism and dirty pool. You need to be a thick skinned person to weather the criticism.

  Would I run again? I really can't answer that question. I presently have plans with my younger son playing professional golf. I've been teaching him since the age of five, it's a demanding job.

  What didn't I like? Unnecessary criticism of other candidates. I mean nasty and very disrespectful comments. There was a lot of unsigned letters floating around the community and it was uncalled for.

  Sixofnine, A sting? Not really, if anything I was relieved. Yes, I was willing to give of myself and I had an agenda that would benefit the community. I still do, but it's limited.

  Carmel, yes, I agree with your comments. I've always contributed my time to others. Running for counsel was an extension of my contribution.

  Please, please do not feel sorry for me. In the summary of my golf book (ABC's of Golf) I said, " Patience, determination, a positive outlook and a stick-to-it-attitude will take you down the road to success. Believe in yourself. If you're doing your best, you'll never have time to think of failure. No failure is ever final...nor is success!"

  Thanks for your comments.

  Guest 77