Everyone I talk to that is politically inclined around here say that Kai has his sights set higher than mayor. Well, he’s not going to be the delegate or state senator….so I guess he’ll have to move.
On a related note….I asked someone at First Fridays who was looking to run for city council next year. Carolyn and Ted are up, so I assume that the repubs would only put up one, while the democrats would put up two. The republican name I’ve been given is Charlie Chenault, but I’m not so sure he would want to run against Carolyn or Ted, and may want to lay back until the three dems come back up.
Any thoughts, Charlie?
I’ve heard rumors that Carolyn and Ted may both decide not to run again. If that happens, Charlie would run and the rest of the field could get crazy for that last spot…..
Kai seems pretty intent on putting into practice some of the skills and ideas he’s been working on the last number of years: facilitating good public dialogue, increasing citizen participation and listening in order to better understand issues. I’d say we all hope our officials do those things well, but we just find them in short supply.
My experience is that if politicians have integrity to their job responsibilities at hand and demonstrate one particular leadership skill (listening, leading, mediating, organizing, etc), then the next opportunity unexpectedly opens up. For Kai, if he demonstrates success at those things above (and he seems off to a good start), he will earn some deserved credit.
For the higher positions that seem closed now (state or federal), rest assured that the unpredictable future will open one of them up sooner rather than later. I’ve seen that moving somewhere else in a political chase usually proves to be a frustrating effort. And, I’ve been around long enough to notice. Being patient or being aggressive is certainly a tough call, though.
Whatever the choice, though, you have to give folks leeway to make their own best choices and not fault them for an opportunity taken. For some reason, for politicians that’s often called “being opportunistic” and “disloyal.” For the rest of us, it’s usually said we’re “making the best decision for your family.”…..the spoils and perils of being in the public eye.
Myron - First you will happy to know that we recently replaced the tile roof on the Community Mausoleum at Woodbine Cemetery with a metal one. I am a staunch advocate for metal roofing. Secondly, I will make a decision on running shortly after the first of the new year. Carolyn and Ted are valued colleagues and close friends, and I will weigh their thoughts and consult with them in the decision I make. Kai has a bright future in general and in politics as well. I very much enjoy working with him on certain projects.
Thanks - yours in metal roofing - Charlie
If you do run, will it be as a republican?
Haven’t seen you at any meetings recently…..
The only good reason to put on a shingle roof is if you are going to die or move in the near future. In those two instances, a person leaves behind a house that needs repair in 15 years.