Are you a change agent? Can you envision a community’s successful future and take the actions needed to create it? If so, you might be thinking of stepping up in a big way – by running for Windsor Town Council.
If so, the time to decide is now – before the Aug. 10 filing dates for both council and school board. (Here, I’ll address just the town council, since that’s where I’ve served.)
What questions should you ask yourself?
First: Do you know what you need to know? Many people think they want to run, should run or could win, without really looking at what it means, what it takes and how it works.
Meaning well is not helpful. Ignorance insults those you seek to serve. Leadership skills alone do not suffice. If you decide to run, know what you’re talking about.
Attend town council meetings regularly, in person. Read the lengthy agenda-related documents. Know the major points of our town’s finances. Be able to explain their integrity, accuracy and transparency.
Know how basic municipal government works. Learn the Brown Act, the rules of procedure and the legal responsibilities of the job. Be able to describe the public safety, public health, infrastructure and many other responsibilities of local government – right down to the tap water.
Be ready to learn quickly, listen under pressure and make choices in the midst of disagreement.
If you don’t relish these challenges, don’t run.
Do you have the energy, temperament and patience? Council members attend not only twice-monthly public town council meetings, but many (countless) committee, special topics, conference, informational and oversight-related meetings on evenings, weekends and other times. Are you OK with being stopped in the grocery store, called at home, argued with at random and having your motives questioned, even as a candidate?
Are you ready for a tough campaign?
The laws of name recognition are unrepealed and immovable. Long-time incumbents comfortably slide into re-election and we have no term limits. If Sam Salmon wants a seventh four-year term, that seat is almost surely his to keep.
In some elections over recent years, few – and once, none – ventured to run; this too reflects and perpetuates the entrenchment of long-serving incumbents. But we might have some genuine campaigning this time, along with healthy, spirited debate, because more people have taken out candidate papers.
Campaigning is not for everyone. People vote for newcomers when they react positively to your message and gain trust in you and your supporters. Connecting takes diligence, genuine enthusiasm, and the ability to convey competence and confidence.
A lot of people find all of this exciting and exhilarating. I know I do.
You may be thinking: I’m qualified. But should I run if I’m not sure I can win?
Yes. If you like a challenge, here are five good reasons to run:
It’s a contribution to your community. Your participation adds something unique to the local culture and conversation.
You’ll learn. You’ll meet people, stretch your skills and become a better citizen.
You’ll be a more formidable future candidate, with name recognition. Sooner or later, multi-term incumbents do make way for new blood.
You’ll tag yourself as a leader, creating a space for yourself in the public dialogue. People will turn to you for expertise and insight.
You could win by enticing new or returning voters. Windsor has about 18,000 resident adults over 18, U.S. citizens and eligible to vote. Registration for the November 2016 election was at 14,879, but 2,046 of them didn’t vote. So there’s a few thousand potential voters, and each one can check off up to three names. Margins are slim in our elections; people often prevail by just a few hundred votes. A registration-and-get-out-the-vote mission could triumph on a tide of new enthusiasm.
We need all voices. National politics and international problems are distant and frustrating. But you and I can influence the present and future of Windsor. Step up in whatever way works for you. Apply for appointed positions, engage with civic groups, share your informed viewpoint, challenge assumptions and help other good candidates – whether or not you put your name on the ballot.
Maureen McDaniel Merrill is a professional facilitator and communication trainer. She was a leader in the campaign to incorporate Windsor and was elected to its first Town Council. ma*****@co*******.com.
