There is a lot right

We often hear that there is a lot wrong with our world and society.  I know that there is a lot right.  The majority of people are really good people.

In campaigning for political office, I have come to experience the warm reception and interest of voters in my ward.  This has been a fantastic experience and one that helps me to understand that there is a lot right with people.

I know that we have a lot wrong with our world.  People do awful things to each other.  But they are a minority.  In talking with people face-to-face, I just know that most people mean well a do good things.  What do you think?

Grass Roots

Since I have been campaigning for public office, I have a new understanding of the term grass roots.  To me it means working with people at the individual level.  It means getting to know people and what is going on with them.

In politics, it is a way to get to know the voters and what issues are important to them.  If as the candidate, you get elected, you have an idea of what needs to be done in your ward, city, state, region, country.

The same principal applies to sales.  In order to serve customers, you need to know them, know their needs, and be able to match up solutions with needs.  Individuals buy and individuals vote so getting to know as many people in your district or territory is the best way to serve your constituency.

Combining Good People With Service

One way to serve is to run for political office.  I know that many politicians in the national media have given a bad name to politics without naming anyone.  On the other hand, I have had some role models in my lifetime who are or were public servant politicians.

One who comes to mind was our City Council President in the suburb of Cleveland where I grew up.  Let's just call him Frank because that was his first name. Frank was a wonderful and honest man who served out of the sense of duty.  Even though his term was several decades ago, I remember him to this day as an honest politician and one whom I trusted, respected, and admired.

When I decided to pursue an elected position in my current city, it was inspired by Frank.  If I could just serve others like he did, I would be so proud.

Having met so many good people on the campaign trail, I am really empowered to serve and for that reason, I am willing work in full speed to get that done.

Many Kind and Good People

I have been campaigning for political office for the last few days and I am very encouraged to be reminded that there are many kind and generous people in this world.  This is not a reference to gererousity with regards to charitable giving but rather generous behavior toward others.

While walking door to door, I have been warmly received by many voters who have treated me with kindness and respect and I am grateful for that.  My point is that this world is still full of really great people who do have a strong sense of civility and responsibility.  Meeting wtih people on the campaign trail and sharing some of their stories has been most enriching.  This campaign gives me a reason to connect with so many people in my community.  I would like to share some experiences in future posts.

When you have a reason to visit with and get to know people, it opens the door to understanding who we are as a community, a nation, and a world.  Unfortunately, we hear a lot of negatives on the news so our view of the world becomes tainted.  I am thrilled to experience the kindness of others while reaching out to them.

Giving Back to the Community

No matter how successful a person might be in their life and in their career, they do have a responsibility to help to make this world and their community a little bit better place.  Our experiences allow us to understand things and see issues and matters in a particular way.

Over the past five years, I have been involved in my city's Planning Commission.  This is a panel that reviews and votes on plans to build, improve, or call attention to local businesses.  I was not exactly sure what to expect going into the position but I have really gotten a lot out of it.  There is a lot that goes into making a successful city, one that is both prosperous and pleasant.  I can honestly say that is the case in Middleburg Hts., OH.  It is both.

I am trying to extend my communty service by running for a ward councilperson position this Fall.  I gave a much better idea of what to expect because of my Planning Commission experience.  I have a lot of work to do to get elected.

In addition to my life experiences and Planning Commission work, my job experience of being a manager and a sales representative have also prepared me for community service through City Council.  I hope to be able to convey to prospective voters why I believe in my qualificatoins.