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Remember - 2 Posts Per Person Per Day
=================================================On Friday - I posted some information about a decision that I was making in regards to whether or not to run for my district council board, especially given that the incumbent had decided that she was still interested in holding her seat (and I've got nothing against her).
I got lots of advice, public and private (summary included at bottom of post). I shared my decision making process with the group, partly to benefit from all your wisdom - but, partly to stimulate discussion and help others making similar decisions.
One of the most interesting things that I found, was the difference between those who viewed a district council election as analogous to a run for city council or school board - and those who approached it as something else.
One person told me, that despite the process of holding elections - "I have always felt that citizens 'volunteer' to serve on the district council, not that they are elected." AND I suspect, that most people on District Council boards would consider themselves more as volunteers than as elected officials.
Would anyone like to comment on this question about how we should look at the position of District Council Board Member (or SITE COUNCIL MEMBER) - are they elected officials, or just volunteers who were 'formally' elected.
Does this question matter? Does the way that a citizen approaches this question affect HOW they serve on a district council board or site council?
------------------------------------------------------- Here are quotes and summaries of the ADVICE that I got: -------------------------------------------------------
1) Don't fret too much about getting on THE BOARD. "The real work is still done by those in the community that have passion. On the board or not."
2) Think about why you are running.
3) You don't have to run 'against' your opponent, simply put yourself and your strengths forward and let the voters decide.
4) Consider alternatives to running for an ELECTED position. Try serving on a sub-committee or volunteering to coordinate your event. Spend MORE time preparing yourself and making sure that you really want to be on the BOARD.
5) Be careful not to OVER-COMMIT yourself.
6) Committee work or project work for the district council is excellent preparation for a board position, if you're still not sure.
7) Trust the process - don't prejudge your own qualifications. Step forward, honestly present yourself, and let the voters (your neighbors) decide.
8) Talk with the incumbent (opponent). Keep it friendly and respectful (when possible) and focus both of your efforts on educating and informing voters (instead of hurting each other).
9) "If you have to ask, don't run."
10) "I say run. The world of politics needs as many non politicians as possible. ....... If people new to the political system do not step up nothing can change."
11) "I would highly recommend the district council experience for anyone who is interested in community service and neighborhood issues. It can be a ton of fun and you will learn a lot. And sometimes you can accomplish great things!
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Best wishes,
Tim Erickson Hamline Midway [EMAIL PROTECTED]
-- ================================================= Tim Erickson http://www.politalk.com St. Paul, MN - USA 651-643-0722 [EMAIL PROTECTED] iChat/AIM: stpaultim =================================================
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