I just turned in the paperwork to run for City Council. Aughhh! I have always wanted to do something like that. In High School I ran for either Jr. or Sophomore rep. That was the biggest disaster. I made up signs like the one recreated for you above. Except it was centered, vertical and looked better - but the eye grabbing hot pink and the cool box with the vote check mark are accurate and oh, so sure to make you win. Except I had no experience and was so nervous I wouldn't practice my speech. I would walk past my posters in the hall and want to rip them down because I didn't want anyone looking at me, or talking about me or augh! I don't know but if I was Brian I would have broken out in hives. As it was I gave literally the worse speech ever, no eye contact, shaking voice, the funny parts weren't funny - I walked on that stage just wishing I could sink into the ground and went off knowing I had just sealed my losing fate - but glad it was over at least. No amount of well designed posters would help at the voting booths.
To run for City Council I had to have at least 10 people sign a petition to have my name put on the ballot. I was feeling sick over this. I don't know 10 people in town so I would have to knock on some doors. I realized that I was freaking out and did one of the exercises from the Feeling Good Handbook. I mentally listed my feelings, the negative thoughts I was having, identified the fallacies and thought of more realistic outcomes. You know what? It really helped. I sent all my family members a copy of the Feeling Good Handbook - read it!
Moving on, I had decided not to run for two more years until our neighbor M. came over Tuesday night to have us sign his petition to run for Mayor and convinced/flattered me that they needed people like me on city council (ie people who actually think and don't just rubber stamp things). So I pick up another copy of the application, had some people sign it last night before YW's and knocked on some doors on my way to City Hall to get the rest of the signatures. Do you know what? All of the people I asked to sign were very friendly and nice and not mean at all. The people at City Hall - not so helpful. I asked if there was anything else I needed to do or know and they just kind of shrugged and said, "nope, we just need your paperwork." I don't think they think I am a contender - but I am.
From what a lot of people have said the city government is kind of clique-y and not efficient. So if I can somehow run as the "Huxley Outsider" but still with enough experience and sense of community to do a good job...? How much should one campaign for a Small Town City Council position? Ideas? I don't want to totally lose but I don't want to over kill either. I think I will definitely have Brian and I on the main road in and out of town during morning and evening commuting on voting day with "Remember To Vote Gardunia" signs - the girls would be cute - Vote for My Mom!
How about this for a sign: on cardboard - cheap, easy, shows willingness to work for the community - or poor homelessness and not very classy - but memorable? Let me know what you think my campaign strategy should be.
11 comments:
Well, I came from a small town but campaigning there is a little different... My dad was mayor for 4 years and I don't think he even remembers which party he "ran" for. This last election was the first time EVER that anyone put up campaign signs- and it was an "outsider" who did it. But, if I remember right, that "outsider" made it.
How big is Huxley? Good luck! I'd vote for you...
One of the PTA moms here successfully ran for city council person. She gracefully addressed issues moms and families had (safe walking routes to school, transparency in government, communication). She talked to people as she walked her kids to and from school.
She even organized a city council person open house at the school where all the candidates could meet the citizens.
Since she has been in office she started a city council blog that she updates with her notes of city council meetings. and asks for input and comments on current city issues.
Go for small town friendly, family, real.
YOU GO GIRl!!!!!
Another thought---
"What are we going to do tonight, brain?"
"The same thing we do every night: try to take over the world"
It's pinkey, pinkey and the Brain, Brain, Brain, Brain, Brain.... Narf
Glad you caught my subtle reference.
CONTENDA!
You're a shoo-in, Leila.
Um, hello, maybe it's cheesy, but put a picture of a gardenia on your posters--people will remember your name.
Good luck, Leila!
My small town was a little bigger than your small town, but I think that the most important thing was if people knew you or not. So I guess I would get to know as many people as I could in the next few months. Anyone who knows you will be likely to vote for you, because you look and act competent and intelligent.
If only I knew anybody in Huxley, I'd tell them to vote for ya!
What's the population of Huxley?
I'd say the key is for as many people to personally meet you as possible (and preferable having a decent conversation)
The population of Huxley is about 3500 people. It's a pretty big small town divided by a small highway - newer homes on one side and older homes on another. NOBODY is home during the day. I had to knock a lot of doors to get my last 4 signatures. Maybe I'll make up some Vote Gardunia business sized cards and give them to people when I am out walking. Family walks every day. Augh! I feel like I'm a missionary, "Talk to everybody!" Did I ever mention I didn't really like that part? Maybe I'll make Aleah talk to people. I think I will do a good job but I hate this campaigning part.
I know someone in ACORN who can get some extra votes for you.
Population 3000 - I'm in a town of 1500 that can't get enough people to run or accept positions on the city council. I have visited a few meetings in the past and it's quite funny. Good luck with the plan. Did you go to the Meet the Candidates thing yesterday and how'd it go?
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