tomorrow

Tomorrow is voting day for the local Board of Education of which I am a candidate.

It really can't come soon enough.

Really. I'm tired. And I'm pretty sure others worked harder than me on this, to whom my Thanks goes out wholeheartedly. I don't know where they got the energy for the amount of time they put into getting our fliers and signs and the message out into the community. I appreciate every second each person put into helping me and my running mates.

Jumping monkeyballs, this campaigning is time consuming soul-sucking work.

For the most part, I'm a loner. I need time to myself. I like to talk to people for short bursts of time and then, I want my book, my tea and a quiet corner on the sofa. (notice this is all about me, me and me. 'cause I'm feeling a little selfish today.)

I've enjoyed the brainstorming around tables on how to make things better in our school district. I've reveled in the debates and arguments and good natured grilling as we've figured out how to navigate getting our message across and generate votes. We don't always agree, but we find a way to compromise and get the goal met. Just what I imagine it should be on a functioning productive School Board.

What I haven't enjoyed is the meanness of people who sneer because we oppose their position. I don't like people twisting our words to fit their agenda. I don't like the negative aspect of pitting people against people. It's an ugly thing. Maybe that means I don't have what it takes to succeed in a political career, to which I can only say THANK THE FUCKING HEAVENS FOR THAT! Because there are mean nasty people out there just waiting for a chance to rip another one to shreds. I have been appalled at the political positioning that takes place around educational policy in the schools and how power is sought. All for what? Really? We're trying to educate our kids and do what's best with the funds available to our district. Why is this political? Why do people feel so threatened by differing views and idea's?

I can't say I've been the target of so much negative contention, I think because the other candidates don't see me as true competition, but I've seen it leveled at the smart and kind gentlemen I've been lucky to meet and travel with along this endeavor. They definitely don't deserve some of the mudslinging that's been tossed at them. Local School Board elections are an ugly business, my friends. I think it might even be more mean-spirited than national politics. I guess to some, having your name in the local paper is worth trading your soul.

Hopefully, we win the spots. That would be the best vindication of what has been said, written and mis-quoted about our positions as they relate to the school board.

Whatever happens tomorrow, I've won a tremendous amount already.

I've met some wonderful, smart, funny & interesting people I hope I will continue to know.

I've met and talked with people from my town I might never have had a conversation with and found an incredible level of diversity around me in terms of thoughts, idea's and cultures. And this has made me a better person. I have seen the kindness of stranger's in their offers of support and I've seen the bitterness of people who feel completely disenfranchised. I've seen how smiling at someone and just saying Hello can bring a smile to their face.

I've had fabulous conversations with my husband and children on why being part of our community is rewarding and a responsibility. I've been lucky to receive their love, support and respect when I've had to be away from home so much. I've been able to combat my trepidation of public speaking and found a comfort level with walking up to stranger and offering my hand in greeting.

I've learned so much about the governance of our schools, about educational policy, about how the school board structure works and I've spent hours reviewing budgets. This educates me and enriches my life and adds to my business tools. The only down side to the necessary campaigning is the time away from my husband and kids. But when they tell me they're proud of what I'm doing, it makes my heart warm.

All in all, no matter the outcome tomorrow, I've won more than I ever thought possible when I started on this path.