Diary #5in an ongoing series of my experiences in running for local office
I have to say, it is an interesting experience being a candidate for city council. With the actual voting in November, it is awfully early to make a big splash. In fact, it’s rather pointless to do so right now given that most people will forget about it if you do. Therefore, nearly everything I’m doing “behind the scenes” presently is strategically designed to attract supporters. That is, I’m speaking with a veritable who’s who in Mountain View, that voters may know, and seeking their endorsement. The results thus far have been surprisingly good. In fact, I have been publicly endorsed by twenty six people (with more to come). But because my local paper ran an article about early candidates I have received attention around town from some folks I do not know -- and that’s a good thing.
Last weekend, on a gorgeous Saturday where the weather couldn’t have been more perfect, I spent all day inside learning new ways of thinking about traffic and infrastructure and so on. In addition to being informative, it was also a great networking event. I was also invited to attend on March 1, a briefing for local candidates on how to seek out and receive the endorsement of the Santa Clara County League of Conservation Voters and the Sierra Club. So there goes another Saturday (at least half of one, anyway) dedicated to seminars. I would like the endorsement from both entities, if possible. What was interesting is that they found me. Up until this point, it was me who was emailing or contacting people I know and asking for their help. In this case, and in one other, I have been approached. That makes this whole endeavor all the more exciting.
Also this past weekend, fellow Kossack Frankenoid published a diary called Saturday Morning Garden Blogging…Seeds of Change where local candidates (for a variety of offices) were highlighted and readers were encouraged to contribute. Special shout out to Kossack Glen the Plumber for getting me included. Although I was last on the list, a couple people did contribute to my campaign. To receive a donation from someone I do not know personally is an exciting and humbling experience. Thanks to those who sent along a few bucks. If you read my last diary you’ll know that this election will cost about $20,000. For anybody who wishes to contribute, you can do so at this web link.
My campaign manager has had me recently emailing folks who know me from around town to ask them if they’d host a “coffee.” That’s a fancy way of saying a “meet and greet” where they’d invite some of their friends and neighbors over to meet me and I’d have a chance to answer questions. I’m told it’s a good grassroots strategy and may result in not only voters, but contributions and commitments from folks to eventually put yard signs out front. Concurrently, I’m planning a launch party. But after a conversation with my campaign manager this morning, we may postpone that until at least April.
At any rate, for those who would like to follow me:
website: www.mountainviewken.com
Twitter: mountainviewken
Facebook: Ken Rosenberg for Mountain View City Council
Thanks folks, for listening, contributing, supporting, praying, and otherwise being here for me to “think out loud.”