General Discussion

rsmith6621

(6,942 posts) Wed May 8, 2013, 09:51 PM May 2013

I Recieved My First Political Appointment

I have live in my city for over 40 years. I have always had interest in political matter,I have worked on several campaigns.

In 2011 during the OWS movement my political spirit rose to a new level of engagement when I organized a OWS group in my community. We later discovered that our group was more of local activism then an national protest group and we began to develop relationships with our city leaders without being friends.

We addressed low grades and a high drop rates in our schools, forced our city council to have to actually explain issues then just rush them to a vote and continued to expand our circle of influence to our state and national leaders which included our State Superintendent of Public Instruction and two Congressional Reps.

I had to move last June for a new job in Oregon and missed my group. In the mean time the other leader fell ill and had to drop the regular meetings due to no one stepping up. I lost that job in January and was back home in less than a week and picked up like I never left. My local Dem.party chair asked me to assume two high profile positions after I just felt like our group had lost it steam.

I was asked to consider a run for local office and due to my current housing situation it makes it a difficult task to due so, most of you know what I am saying. I have made intention for 2015 unless some positions come up for appointments which may happen.

A month ago the city was looking to fill some commission vacancy's so I went ahead and applied,two weeks ago I got a call from the city clerk scheduling me an interview with the full council. That interview was last night and lasted 15 minutes and there were three of us.

The recessed to their boardroom behind council chambers for deliberations. I naturally stayed for the regular council meeting and waited for the decision. Halfway through the item came up and myself and one other were nominated and voted unanimously in as commissioners of Parks and Rec. What was interesting a few of the council members took a few minutes after the meeting to speak with me in private. They said they have appreciated the respect that I have always addressed them in person and in some of my guest editorials in the local paper.They have appreciated my thoughtful creative solutions I have offered up. I was told by one council member of the opposite party that they believe one day I will have a seat at the big table.

I am humbled by this opportunity, times like this I wished my parents were both alive to share this accomplishment with.

Even though it is easy to send nasty grams to our elected officials I think respectful, thoughtful conversation with a recommendation for a solution is a better way to go.

BTW... I have a meeting with my Congressman next month to discuss an issue related to call centers, I let you know how that works.