About Yesterday’s Election

I attended the city council meeting tonight as I have done many times over the last couple years. This time I was there to offer my congratulations to my opponents and show that a politician can be gracious in defeat – a trait that is all too uncommon in modern politics.

I am grateful for the kind words I received, especially those from councilwoman Wilson, my running mate councilman Mains, and especially councilman Hackworth whose term is coming to an end. In his remarks, councilman Hackworth shared his frustration with the board of elections’ improper handling of notifications of his withdrawal. I’ve had 24 hours to play through the what ifs in my head. Maybe those votes not counted because they were cast for him would have gone to me had the voter known, lifting me into the top four. Maybe they’d have gone to councilman Grubbs or councilwoman Dole boosting their lead even further. The truth lies somewhere in the middle between these extreme scenarios but we will never know so instead I choose to move forward.

My youngest is a freshman at LaSalle High School.  As one would expect they open events with a prayer and that prayer always concludes with a call and response that includes the line “We are…called to serve”.  I love that line because it so accurately reflects how we should all live our lives.  While I’m disappointed I won’t be serving on council, I am working every day to make our community stronger. Through my work as a scoutmaster and my service on the mayor’s community fund.  In my efforts with city commissions like the charter review and by volunteering at rec commission and downtown district events.  In ways great and small we are all truly called to serve. 

Joe

PS – Back in the spring Mike and I began meeting on Thursday mornings at the Coffee Peddlar.  What started as simple strategy sessions has grown into conversations with a lot of wonderful people. Just because the election is over doesn’t mean the conversation needs to end. Stop on by some Thursday morning and say hello.