So You Are Thinking of Running?

“It’s not about being a senator for me,” She said. “It’s about service. It’s about causing positive change in our community.”

Bengie Aguilar – Democratic candidate for Washington state senate, 2018.

(Seattle Times, November 8, 2018, B5)

“She was always energetic and forceful and cheerful. She wasn’t in it for the money, she wasn’t in it for national office. A lot of people go into public life for various reasons. Hers was for civic betterment.”

Dick Page, Deputy Mayor, Seattle, 1970-71

from the obituary for Phyllis Lamphere former Seattle City Council Member (1967 -79)

(Seattle Times, November 24, 2018, B2)

“Most leaders are regular people who want to make a difference”

Tamara Keith, NPR White House Correspondent,

(KOUW Radio, December 5, 2018)

“Being in local government is all about making a difference in people’s lives”

Jim Thompson, former City Manager, Casa Grande, Arizona

Dick Page says it all: Phyllis Lamphere was in local politics to make her community a better place. Or as Bengie Aguilar said “It’s about service.” Or as Tamara Keith commented that most leaders are those who want to make a difference. And Jim Thompson as city manager saw it first hand that those on city councils who do the best are enthused about bettering their community. What about you? Are you thinking of running for local office for similar reasons? If you are, you possess the intellectual foundation for a potential winning campaign.

What is prompting you to consider a run for local office? A thoughtful answer is essential because throughout your campaign, you can expect to be asked it many times by media, potential contributors, and voters. The importance of your answer cannot be overstated.

Here are a few thoughts to ponder as you mull a race. Begin by asking yourself how you will serve your community once in office. Then make a list of issues that excite you. Tally up your personal, professional and civic qualifications. Then define your personal, professional, civic qualifications and how they relate to success in the office you seek. These are a few homework tasks for you to ponder your candidacy.

The Take Away

If you truly want to make your community a better place for all, then you have underpinning for a potentially successful race for your local office.