Posted on 12/14/2012 11:22:58 AM PST by Sopater
I'm planning on running for Town Office because I can't stand the escalating erosion of our liberties. I'm not sure if I can be more effective as a voting member of the town board or as a "local troublemaker". So, I'm asking for some advice from my fellow FReepers.
Take an anti-affirmative action stance and make it central to your campaign. Regardless if it’s an issue or not. I just want to see what happens if a conservative actually does that, it has not been tried for at least 20 years. I know I would donate.
However, I decided I didn't want to be under someone's thumb (and intimidated which I saw at every meeting).
If you think your vote will make a difference, go that course. However, if you are strong and can document matters, remain the local troublemaker.
P.S. I copyright everything I do....pass it out to the members of the Board on the condition that the documents be returned to me. I've become very effective but am specialized in several historical areas.
NO ONE will slight you for it and some good may come of it.
If you are that man, and you feel you can't run and win on that platform, then be very, very sure, if you 'change your appearance' to be elected, it is a hat and coat you can take off, or you'll become like the rest.
Be honest. Stay honest.
You will likely find your discretion is VERY limited. Most programs and regulations are dictated from the state. In addition, the jurisdiction and authority of local government is rapidly being replaced by state controlled regional governance structures and collaborative stakeholder groups required by state agencies.
In addition, you will learn how much you didn’t really know or understand when you were a troublemaker - lol.
I hope you have a VERY thick skin.
15 or so years ago, a neighbor ran for school board. He was a local businessman (owned a middle eastern restaurant) and was leaning to traditional school values.
In my very liberal town, that rubbed some people the wrong way. They campaigned against him on the “fact” that being middle eastern (and likely Muslim),well, you know how they treat and think of women! He lost the race.
I would love to see you run way to the right of Reagan- prepare a list of his quotes and quote him often
and see how successful you are- I bet you ARE
The wimptards in the GOP lose over and over because they dont do that
Run. I served as a Town Council member for three terms. We kept the budget in the black, a low employee/per capita ratio, and the lowest municipal tax rate in the state. It’s all done by keeping the concept of municipal “core function” at the forefront of all policy decisions. You’ve got to be willing to say “No.” A lot. And you’ve got to be willing to walk away from the job at any time.
You may find that preconcieved notions of local government are not accurate. But if we really want to reclaim our constitutional foundation of limited government, we must start our own “long march through the institutions.”
By all means, run.
When is the election? What state are you in, how large is the town, and what office are you running for? What issues do you have? What budget do you have for your campaign? We can communicate privately for the sake of greater candor.
If it's a local office, you'll do better going door to door than putting money into yard signs and bumper stickers. Be prepared to explain why you are running. What are the issues? What is your position on them? How does your position benefit the average voter (lower taxes, fewer regulations, or whatever).
Take advantage of any opportunity to be interviewed by your local paper. Consider buying ads in the local paper. Get those who agree with you to write letters to the editor. Letters are among the most popular parts of local papers. Almost everyone reads them.
When you call on a house and no one's home, be prepared to leave literature that explains your position on the issues. Have 'door-hangers" to hang on doorknobs, or to place between screen and main door.
Last but not least, carefully follow whatever laws and regulations your state/county etc. has regarding campaign finances. I recommend you have a campaign treasurer who will be responsible for assuring compliance with those laws. This is even if you're not asking for donations but are spending our own money. You still have to report whatever you spent.
Thanks, very good advice.
I was nominated at our town caucus and will be on the ballot this spring.
Pray for me. :-)
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