This guy came to your door!
10 weeks ago, my city council campaign began. My ambitious goal was to personally visit the 2000+ households who had voted in our city elections. After crunching the numbers (and procuring an electric scooter) I estimated that it would take me about 150 hours. Over 10 weeks, that meant 15 hours per week - 5 hours each Saturday and Sunday, 5 total hours on weekday nights. So, yes, lots of hours, but manageable! I finished a week ago, ahead of schedule. Here are a few takeaways.
Go forth and meet ALL the people!
Elected officials tend to hear from the same people repeatedly, but by proactively going to speak with these 3500+ voters, it was an opportunity to get broad & representative input. By personally talking to so many people, I have a clear sense of what our community values are, and will be able to make the best decisions for the most people.
Different opinions are OK - and necessary!
Some conversations were difficult, and that’s OK. I want to know what they think, even if it’s hard to hear. Bizarrely, I was advised by several respected folks, who had a lot of experience advising campaigns, not to bother speaking with people ideologically different from myself. To me, this was exactly backwards! It was imperative to talk to people who disagree with me on some issues, both because I would need to represent their interests if I won, and because good ideas come from everywhere.
Scooters are dangerous!
My scooter made the process faster and more enjoyable, but crashing and getting 4 stitches on my face was no bueno. Fortunately, when I crashed, there were some extremely responsive neighbors there to tend to me, with an ice pack, a giant Band-Aid and some ibuprofen. (Thanks again, Laura!)
You folks are nice!
By initiating these conversations and being a bit vulnerable, I found nearly everyone to be extremely kind and supportive. In addition to all the great conversations, I was offered multiple beers and comfy chairs to watch the Vikings and Gophers, a few hot dogs, a bowl of kale soup, bottles and bottles of water and bathrooms to address the output. It was a reminder that our shared humanity is still alive and well in Minnetonka, even if national politics suggests otherwise.
Positive Energy is everywhere!
I didn’t run for office because I was dissatisfied with our city - quite the opposite. I love Minnetonka, both for its strengths and the opportunities to improve. No matter who I spoke with, we could always find areas of agreement and a sense of optimism for our future. Win or lose, I am proud as hell to be a part of this community and look forward to working with all of you to make it better in the decades to come.