After much urging from various powers that be in my home town of Mountain View, California, and many lengthy conversations with my wife, I have decided to run for City Council.
I have served on the boards of many local organizations and community groups for years. I am an appointed representative (and current Chair) to the Human Relations Commission, as well as having served on the City’s Downtown Committee for a period. I know most of those who influence decisions locally and they know me. The woman who accepted as my campaign manager twice ran for council herself and was a delegate to the Democratic National Conference in Charlotte.
There are three slots available and interestingly, no incumbents are running. I expect the field to be about 10-12 candidates for the three slots. Having said that, I am optimistic about my chances and frightened as hell about what I just stepped into. Nonetheless, earlier today I filed the required paperwork to the City and later this afternoon will open my bank account to receive contributions.
If anyone out there is reading this and has words of advice for me as I head into personal unchartered waters, I would certainly appreciate it. Even links to candidate websites that you thought were well conceived is a great lead. I’m accepting all ideas right now. The election in in 11 months!
Wish me luck.
~Ken