Who will represent you?
By last Tuesday at noon those of you who aspired to public office had signed on the dotted line, coughed up the $5 filing fee (or the requisite list of signatures), and presented the necessary financial statements to become — ta da — a public servant. You all have my respect and admiration, for whatever that may be worth. Even if you lose, you have my respect and admiration. You desire a job I wouldn't want in any way, shape, or form.
I have always felt this way about running for public office. I've never understood why people would put themselves through such a gristmill. Blech! Since taking this media position with Hoch Publishing and covering all manner of meetings relating to the tax-paying public interests, I have seen the body politics at work — up close and personal. Covering it has made me realize that I was right all along. I simply don't have what it takes to do the job.
But I am glad you do. Even if you lose (and some of you will) I am glad you signed up to run. Hoo-rah for you! Each county commission, city council, and school board needs your talents, enthusiasm, and willingness to take on the tough job. So congratulations for deciding to jump right in. I have a sneaking suspicion that there just might be one or two of you who have an ax to grind — so be it. Your convictions have propelled you to action. The rest of us may not agree with that burr you have under your saddle, but you are the one who signed up for the job. I guess if any of us thought otherwise, we could have signed up to oppose you, right?
I have a friend who once ran for public office and lost. She said she didn't mind losing because it gave her more right than anyone else to complain about the decisions that transpired after her defeat. Even though she lost, at least she put her neck on the line and took a stand. Everyone else just grumbled in the coffee shop. I think her theory is probably right. You state your case, put your opinions out there, and let the public decide. If you win, you get to proceed with your agenda. If you lose, you don't — but you get to tell everyone how it might have been if you had been elected. Bingo!
I noticed that there are holes in some of the contests coming up this spring. No one filed for the available position in a couple of races. Will you be one of those not represented because no one signed up for the job? If those positions go unfilled then you have no right to whine about the decisions that are made that will impact your life, taxes, or your future.
Of course, there is always the "write-in campaign." If you are not served by a candidate from your ward, township, city, or district, you should consider this option. (Check with the county clerk for the legalities — there are some.) Someone needs to represent you — it might as well be you! If the race runs empty of applicants and things in the future don't go as you think they should, then you have no one to blame but yourself.
Lucky me, there are numerous candidates offering to serve my needs. Bless them all! I only have to choose the best qualified. I don't have to run. But if I lived where you do and was served by no one, I would have to consider becoming a candidate. What are YOU going to do?
— SUSAN MARSHALL
