Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Monday, March 30, 2009
Doors, Signs and Weather
Well, since my last post I've knocked on hundreds more doors again meeting some good folks. The weather has not been kind to outdoor activities over the past couple weeks, with only hit-or-miss opportunities to get out without being (1) blown away, (2) soaked or (3) frozen.
My wife Leslie and the kids even got in on the action last week with a warm afternoon allowing them out to walk our neighborhood to dole out my information card. I'd purposely saved something near home so my twins could participate. Knowing their patience level, close to home (and the toy box) is a good place to stay, but it worked out great as they walked with Mom for an hour that day.
My large banner-type signs have taken a beating in the weeks they've been out as the winds that have blown through continue to pry them away from their posts. Somehow I've managed to actually lose completely three 3'x8' banners with my name plastered on them. They may still be flying somewhere. Who knows?
My wife Leslie and the kids even got in on the action last week with a warm afternoon allowing them out to walk our neighborhood to dole out my information card. I'd purposely saved something near home so my twins could participate. Knowing their patience level, close to home (and the toy box) is a good place to stay, but it worked out great as they walked with Mom for an hour that day.
My large banner-type signs have taken a beating in the weeks they've been out as the winds that have blown through continue to pry them away from their posts. Somehow I've managed to actually lose completely three 3'x8' banners with my name plastered on them. They may still be flying somewhere. Who knows?
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Forums, Radio and more Doors
Well, we are in the home stretch with less than two weeks to go until the April 7th election. It's unfortunate that most of the folks in "the know" are predicting a light turnout for this election. With no bond, tax or major issues on the ballot, that leaves only the school board and city council seat races for folks to turn out and vote for. Historically the turnout has hovered around 15-20% in this type of election. With record settind wind speeds over the past couple days, I'll be out mending wounded campaign signs again. As if installing and reinstalling them once wasn't enough, I'll be out at least one more time to check on them.
This past week has been a busy one with the League of Women Votes candidate forum, a radio interview on KFRU's Morning Meeting and another forum last night hosted by the NAACP.
I felt good about my responses at the LWV Forum held at the Columbia Public Library. I wish we'd been able to spend more time as city council candidates fielding questions about city wants and needs. Unfortunately, we were scheduled to share the room with the school board candidates, and they have 9 men and women running for 2 spots. Even with a couple of them absent, it put a time constraint on the hosts.
My opponent and I were invited to sit in for about 40 minutes on the Morning Meeting with Simon and Renee. Renee participated by phone as she was recovering from the flu. If it was of the same variety as the one that nearly took me out three weeks ago, I wish her a speedy recovery. That was no fun. I did enjoy, however, the chance to meet and visit with Simon. I was apprehensive about the live call-in aspect, but it actually worked out just fine. It sure makes you appreciate a radio hosts' ability to think on their feet and adapt to a variety of subject matter and caller intentions.
Finally, we (city council and school board candidates) were invited to the NAACP Candidate forum last night. Another night where you hoped for a little more time, but had to understand that there were a lot of folks up there hoping to make their impression upon the crowd. Most of the questions for the city council were about issues that are hot buttons right now. Police interaction with citizens, taser use and stimulus money.
With just one more radio interview next week, it's down to door-knocking and meeting as many folks as possible at this point. I'm excited and anxious at the same time.
This past week has been a busy one with the League of Women Votes candidate forum, a radio interview on KFRU's Morning Meeting and another forum last night hosted by the NAACP.
I felt good about my responses at the LWV Forum held at the Columbia Public Library. I wish we'd been able to spend more time as city council candidates fielding questions about city wants and needs. Unfortunately, we were scheduled to share the room with the school board candidates, and they have 9 men and women running for 2 spots. Even with a couple of them absent, it put a time constraint on the hosts.
My opponent and I were invited to sit in for about 40 minutes on the Morning Meeting with Simon and Renee. Renee participated by phone as she was recovering from the flu. If it was of the same variety as the one that nearly took me out three weeks ago, I wish her a speedy recovery. That was no fun. I did enjoy, however, the chance to meet and visit with Simon. I was apprehensive about the live call-in aspect, but it actually worked out just fine. It sure makes you appreciate a radio hosts' ability to think on their feet and adapt to a variety of subject matter and caller intentions.
Finally, we (city council and school board candidates) were invited to the NAACP Candidate forum last night. Another night where you hoped for a little more time, but had to understand that there were a lot of folks up there hoping to make their impression upon the crowd. Most of the questions for the city council were about issues that are hot buttons right now. Police interaction with citizens, taser use and stimulus money.
With just one more radio interview next week, it's down to door-knocking and meeting as many folks as possible at this point. I'm excited and anxious at the same time.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Muleskinners / Doorknocking
MULESKINNERS - Developing a platform
Met for a candidate forum at the Muleskinners Friday lunch. I feel like I'm finally getting more comfortable with the format and I've managed to put some time into my platform to actually have sound reasoning and methodology to my ideas. Over the past couple forums (The League of Women Voters and Muleskinners), I have presented a few of those ideas and feel like they have been well-received.
My opponent actually mirrors my wants for the city in a couple ways, but I feel like the real difference between us is that I have actually given serious thought to ways to put plans into action. Good intentions can only get you so far. Eventually we will have to present ideas to the council that have some backbone and a legitimate chance of working. I have many ideas and feel like they can make a difference, but I'm also realistic in those thoughts, knowing that I must be able to gain the support of fellow council members in order to make things happen. That support will come when a good idea is followed up by a well-thought out plan on how to achieve the goal.
DOORKNOCKING
Managed to make it through the day without rain, which allowed me to meet more folks while door-knocking again today. I must say this is an interesting way to meet people. Catching them in the middle of lunch or a nap isn't exaclty the best way to make an impression I know, but it's virtually impossible to pick a time to avoid this. Most folks are really nice and seem to respect the commitment to running for council. I appreciate that.
Met for a candidate forum at the Muleskinners Friday lunch. I feel like I'm finally getting more comfortable with the format and I've managed to put some time into my platform to actually have sound reasoning and methodology to my ideas. Over the past couple forums (The League of Women Voters and Muleskinners), I have presented a few of those ideas and feel like they have been well-received.
My opponent actually mirrors my wants for the city in a couple ways, but I feel like the real difference between us is that I have actually given serious thought to ways to put plans into action. Good intentions can only get you so far. Eventually we will have to present ideas to the council that have some backbone and a legitimate chance of working. I have many ideas and feel like they can make a difference, but I'm also realistic in those thoughts, knowing that I must be able to gain the support of fellow council members in order to make things happen. That support will come when a good idea is followed up by a well-thought out plan on how to achieve the goal.
DOORKNOCKING
Managed to make it through the day without rain, which allowed me to meet more folks while door-knocking again today. I must say this is an interesting way to meet people. Catching them in the middle of lunch or a nap isn't exaclty the best way to make an impression I know, but it's virtually impossible to pick a time to avoid this. Most folks are really nice and seem to respect the commitment to running for council. I appreciate that.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Door Knocking 3.17.09
Used the beautiful weather to knock on some more doors today. I actually found several folks home and met some friendly people who offered some good feedback.
Several mentioned that they had seen my signs on their way to work or home. That's good news. I had hoped to get some name recognition from the signs, but you just never know if you have the right locations.
Hope to get out again tomorrow for a few hours and leave my info card with more potential voters.
Several mentioned that they had seen my signs on their way to work or home. That's good news. I had hoped to get some name recognition from the signs, but you just never know if you have the right locations.
Hope to get out again tomorrow for a few hours and leave my info card with more potential voters.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Brookside Square HOA Meeting 3.16.09
I was invited to meet the Brookside Square Homeowners Association tonight. There were about a dozen folks there along with the other candidate.
We were given an opportunity to provide an opening statement and answer about a half-dozen or so questions ranging from concerns about the amount of litter on the roadsides in and around the Second Ward to curiosity about our positions on things from the City of Columbia's commitment to renewable energy and of course the fight to reduce crime.
I believe it is going to be important to focus on more community involvement as our City continues to become larger and begins to face bigger city issues. Maintaining a healthy relationship with Homeowner Associations is a great way to do that.
If elected to Council I will work to promote the acceptance and use of Neighborhood Watch programs by all active homeowner associations. I believe the importance of an active and involved homeowner association cannot be underestimated. Streets full of folks who are not only interested, but actively involved in the care, management and health of their neighborhood can be the difference between an area that is unsafe and neglected versus well-kept and vibrant.
I applaud these folks for being involved and look forward to the opportunity to work with them and others like them throughout the ward.
We were given an opportunity to provide an opening statement and answer about a half-dozen or so questions ranging from concerns about the amount of litter on the roadsides in and around the Second Ward to curiosity about our positions on things from the City of Columbia's commitment to renewable energy and of course the fight to reduce crime.
I believe it is going to be important to focus on more community involvement as our City continues to become larger and begins to face bigger city issues. Maintaining a healthy relationship with Homeowner Associations is a great way to do that.
If elected to Council I will work to promote the acceptance and use of Neighborhood Watch programs by all active homeowner associations. I believe the importance of an active and involved homeowner association cannot be underestimated. Streets full of folks who are not only interested, but actively involved in the care, management and health of their neighborhood can be the difference between an area that is unsafe and neglected versus well-kept and vibrant.
I applaud these folks for being involved and look forward to the opportunity to work with them and others like them throughout the ward.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Interviews Galore
I never pictured myself as a person that others just had to hear speak, but funny things happen when the County Clerk declares your petition to run for City Council as valid. Suddenly, folks you've never met before want to ask you question after question after question.
I met early this morning with a reporter from the Missourian to help him with a series of questions that will be published over time leading up to the April 7th election. Both personal and campaign related, I spent about two and one-half hours describing my positions and opinions on a variety of subjects. This afternoon, I spent another hour with a reporter from the Tribune doing the same thing.
Win or lose, this campaign has helped me learn more about our goverment and the myriad issues that are involved in running it. I am developing, almost daily, a greater appreciation for the time commitment and effort necessary to be a successful council member. It is evident to me that many folks who have given their time over the years to volunteer as a member of the City Council, likely did not feel like all of their efforts were truly appreciated. I'll be the first to admit that I really had an unrealistic view of what was required of a council member.
Back to the campaign, I have a couple events coming up next week that will provide me with an opportunity to speak to groups about my ideas for City Council. Next week I'll be attending a voter forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters on Thursday evening, followed Friday by a Muleskinner's Candidate Forum during their weekly luncheon.
I met early this morning with a reporter from the Missourian to help him with a series of questions that will be published over time leading up to the April 7th election. Both personal and campaign related, I spent about two and one-half hours describing my positions and opinions on a variety of subjects. This afternoon, I spent another hour with a reporter from the Tribune doing the same thing.
Win or lose, this campaign has helped me learn more about our goverment and the myriad issues that are involved in running it. I am developing, almost daily, a greater appreciation for the time commitment and effort necessary to be a successful council member. It is evident to me that many folks who have given their time over the years to volunteer as a member of the City Council, likely did not feel like all of their efforts were truly appreciated. I'll be the first to admit that I really had an unrealistic view of what was required of a council member.
Back to the campaign, I have a couple events coming up next week that will provide me with an opportunity to speak to groups about my ideas for City Council. Next week I'll be attending a voter forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters on Thursday evening, followed Friday by a Muleskinner's Candidate Forum during their weekly luncheon.
Monday, March 9, 2009
March 7, 2009 - Banners are up!
My cousin and I spent about 6 hours on Saturday morning/afternoon fighting the wind while installing 3'x8' campaign banners. Over the course of the last four weeks, I made several phone calls, sent emails and went to folks I knew to secure "friendly" spots for high-traffic and key locations. I'm pretty happy overall with the number of signs we got out, and and quality of the placements.
I'm still looking for more yard sign locations if you or someone you know might consider allowing me to place a small sign through April 8th, please let me know. I'll happily install it myself. We will pick up all signs the day after the election.
I'm still looking for more yard sign locations if you or someone you know might consider allowing me to place a small sign through April 8th, please let me know. I'll happily install it myself. We will pick up all signs the day after the election.
March 6, 2009 - Fundraiser
With the help of my campaign committee and some volunteers, I hosted my first fundraiser tonight at the Eagles Lodge. Wouldn't you know that when you plan something a month in advance something has to go wrong.
We had a chili supper and the weather didn't get the memo. It was 70+ degrees!
We still had decent attendance considering the things people would rather do on a nice day like that. About 80 folks showed up for some great chili made by Neal Wilkinson. He and some buddies do some chili cook-offs and really know their stuff.
We had a chili supper and the weather didn't get the memo. It was 70+ degrees!
We still had decent attendance considering the things people would rather do on a nice day like that. About 80 folks showed up for some great chili made by Neal Wilkinson. He and some buddies do some chili cook-offs and really know their stuff.
March 5, 2009 - The Flu, Door Cards are in
Well, I battled the flu this entire week. In fact, only an hour or so before the Chamber of Commerce Candidate Forum, I called to say I couldn't make it. I somehow pulled myself together enough to make a showing. I was pretty flat and I'm sure it appeared as though I'd just seen a ghost. Either way, I made it though and came out reasonably satisfied with the results given an hour earlier I had been in bed praying for my fever to go away.
All four candidates were there (two each for Wards 2 and 6).
As a small business owner, one can surmise that I am in favor of things that can assist a local business owner in succeeding. I truly feel that my life experiences combined with my business degree, day-to-day ability to oversee employees and juggle the responsibilities of my own job have provided me with the skillset necessary to become a key element on the City Council.
My ability to listen and analyze situations before making a rushed decision has benefitted me well both as a REALTOR and owner. I think it will be a critical component of my membership on the council.
DOOR CARDS
I picked up the door cards I'll be handing out as I walk through second ward neighborhoods. It turned out great with the expert assistance I received from Michael Richards. Presenting an effective message and putting it all together in a layout that makes it easy for a reader to make their way through the card is definitely an art. Thank you again Michael for your help.
All four candidates were there (two each for Wards 2 and 6).
As a small business owner, one can surmise that I am in favor of things that can assist a local business owner in succeeding. I truly feel that my life experiences combined with my business degree, day-to-day ability to oversee employees and juggle the responsibilities of my own job have provided me with the skillset necessary to become a key element on the City Council.
My ability to listen and analyze situations before making a rushed decision has benefitted me well both as a REALTOR and owner. I think it will be a critical component of my membership on the council.
DOOR CARDS
I picked up the door cards I'll be handing out as I walk through second ward neighborhoods. It turned out great with the expert assistance I received from Michael Richards. Presenting an effective message and putting it all together in a layout that makes it easy for a reader to make their way through the card is definitely an art. Thank you again Michael for your help.
February 27, 2009 -6th Ward Muleskinners Meeting and Door Cards are ordered
I attended the Friday Muleskinners meeting to watch the Rob Robison/Barbara Hoppe voter forum. I'll be there with my opponent on March 20th and was happy to see how the forum would be conducted. Meeting lots of new people and receiving questions from folks all over Columbia, rather than just in my specific ward is very enlightening.
February 23, 2009 - Police Officers Association and My Reports
I met tonight with the Columbia Police Officers Association (CPOA). This meeting really allowed for me to firm up my impressions from an earlier visit with Interim Chief Tom Dresner. These folks need our help on Council.
They are battling increasingly better prepared criminals and are: Using a lot of outdated technology, working in cramped, inefficient quarters and in need of more funding and help with pay equalization.
I found this group, much like the firefighters, put in a lot of work and research and dedication in attempts to make their work environment a safer and more productive place.
I am fully supportive of working toward addressing all of those issues. They have watched over the years as more fire houses are built, the city approved a new addition/renovation to the City Hall complex and our parks and recreation departments appear to be flourishing.
It is time to put the focus back on the thing most folks take for granted. Safety.
REPORTS - Holy cow! I have just completed my first campaign financial reports . The State of Missouri watches closely and has a series of deadlines within which I must submit paperwork for expenditures, donations, loans etc. It was a little tricky, but after a couple calls to the Missouri Ethics Commission, I felt like I'd done enough to keep myself out of jail.
They are battling increasingly better prepared criminals and are: Using a lot of outdated technology, working in cramped, inefficient quarters and in need of more funding and help with pay equalization.
I found this group, much like the firefighters, put in a lot of work and research and dedication in attempts to make their work environment a safer and more productive place.
I am fully supportive of working toward addressing all of those issues. They have watched over the years as more fire houses are built, the city approved a new addition/renovation to the City Hall complex and our parks and recreation departments appear to be flourishing.
It is time to put the focus back on the thing most folks take for granted. Safety.
REPORTS - Holy cow! I have just completed my first campaign financial reports . The State of Missouri watches closely and has a series of deadlines within which I must submit paperwork for expenditures, donations, loans etc. It was a little tricky, but after a couple calls to the Missouri Ethics Commission, I felt like I'd done enough to keep myself out of jail.
February 19, 2009 - Professional FirefightersI
was invited to speak to the Columbia Professional Firefighters - Local 1055 this morning. What a great group of folks sitting on the board for the Firefighters. I was given an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on a variety of issues.
I learned that they are eagerly working toward helping the Columbia firefighting community to become Advanced Life Support (ALS) certified. In a nutshell this would allow firefighters, many of whom are already trained as EMT's to begin life-saving activities prior to an ambulance arriving on scene. There are more fire trucks and staff in the city compared to ambulances, so it only makes sense that they be able to start IV's and perform other more advanced treatments when time is working against an injury victim. Sort of seems like a no-brainer to me, given that it truly could mean the difference between life and death. I have assured them that I would be supportive of this if elected to council.
We discussed the fire protection territorial agreement, a written document up for renewal and currently being debated, between the Boone County Fire Protection District and their Columbia counterparts. Essentially, as the city began to grow rapidly, the likelihood that someone on the outer limits of the city could be too far away from City provided services increased. Over the past 15 years, under the previous agreement, many pockets were created in areas that had previously been county service areas, but now found themselves located inside the city limits. Due to a grandfather clause, these areas would remain BCFPD responsiblity. Probem is a city-tax payer living inside the city limits wanted to know they had a city provided service since they were paying for it.
A new agreement in place appears to be addressing this issue and residents living in these pockets will now have the best of both worlds. The City of Columbia will be the primary provider, but the BCFPD will be backup or could even wind up there first depending on the situation.
We discussed a bit about the inordinately high number of non-fire calls they received last year. Of just over 9,000 calls, 2/3 of them were NOT fire-related! Imagine well over 6,000 times last year, those crews had to load up and drive out a big truck to respond to something non-fire related. It is my thought that if the money and space become available, the Council should look at securing a more efficient and effective vehicle for responding to these calls.
I learned that they are eagerly working toward helping the Columbia firefighting community to become Advanced Life Support (ALS) certified. In a nutshell this would allow firefighters, many of whom are already trained as EMT's to begin life-saving activities prior to an ambulance arriving on scene. There are more fire trucks and staff in the city compared to ambulances, so it only makes sense that they be able to start IV's and perform other more advanced treatments when time is working against an injury victim. Sort of seems like a no-brainer to me, given that it truly could mean the difference between life and death. I have assured them that I would be supportive of this if elected to council.
We discussed the fire protection territorial agreement, a written document up for renewal and currently being debated, between the Boone County Fire Protection District and their Columbia counterparts. Essentially, as the city began to grow rapidly, the likelihood that someone on the outer limits of the city could be too far away from City provided services increased. Over the past 15 years, under the previous agreement, many pockets were created in areas that had previously been county service areas, but now found themselves located inside the city limits. Due to a grandfather clause, these areas would remain BCFPD responsiblity. Probem is a city-tax payer living inside the city limits wanted to know they had a city provided service since they were paying for it.
A new agreement in place appears to be addressing this issue and residents living in these pockets will now have the best of both worlds. The City of Columbia will be the primary provider, but the BCFPD will be backup or could even wind up there first depending on the situation.
We discussed a bit about the inordinately high number of non-fire calls they received last year. Of just over 9,000 calls, 2/3 of them were NOT fire-related! Imagine well over 6,000 times last year, those crews had to load up and drive out a big truck to respond to something non-fire related. It is my thought that if the money and space become available, the Council should look at securing a more efficient and effective vehicle for responding to these calls.
February 16, 2009 - Signs, The Chief and more!
Here's what's been happening. It's been a busy month since I filed my petition with Sheela Amin, the City Clerk. I've met a lot of interesting people and am scheduled to meet many more. It's been a real learning experience for me. I love my family and I've taken time away from them. My wife has been great and her support is vital. In the end I believe it will be worth it, if for no other reason than to teach my kids that when I began to see things happening in Columbia that I thought could have an adverse affect on their quality of life, I took action. I decided to run for City Council to try and make a change. For my family, and for me.
Today I had a great conversation with acting Chief of Police, Tom Dresner. We talked about many issues facing the Police Department, both in their struggles with the budget constraints the City is dealing with and in simple, day-to-day operations. While I've always supported the police department and generally trusted them to do a good job and protect me, I came away today with am impression I was not expecting to leave with.
I met folks who are just like you and me. They go to work, many of them to support families just like we do. For whatever reason, they've decided to work in a job that requires them to make personal safety sacrifices that most of us would never consider. Shaking an officer's hand and actually seeing the person "behind the badge" for a moment really makes you think about things like that.
As I walked through the halls of the Police Administration building, then to the Joint Communications room, down to the locker facilities and evidence rooms, I got a good feel for the conditions that our "sworn" and civilian police department employees work in everyday. They are doing a fantastic job given what they have to work with as best I can tell. Cramped quarters, inefficient workspaces and disconnected departments all exist due to a lack of planning, adequate space and funding as the department has grown over the years.
It is safe to say that as a City Councilman, I would be supportive of looking for ways to help with this problem.
Today I had a great conversation with acting Chief of Police, Tom Dresner. We talked about many issues facing the Police Department, both in their struggles with the budget constraints the City is dealing with and in simple, day-to-day operations. While I've always supported the police department and generally trusted them to do a good job and protect me, I came away today with am impression I was not expecting to leave with.
I met folks who are just like you and me. They go to work, many of them to support families just like we do. For whatever reason, they've decided to work in a job that requires them to make personal safety sacrifices that most of us would never consider. Shaking an officer's hand and actually seeing the person "behind the badge" for a moment really makes you think about things like that.
As I walked through the halls of the Police Administration building, then to the Joint Communications room, down to the locker facilities and evidence rooms, I got a good feel for the conditions that our "sworn" and civilian police department employees work in everyday. They are doing a fantastic job given what they have to work with as best I can tell. Cramped quarters, inefficient workspaces and disconnected departments all exist due to a lack of planning, adequate space and funding as the department has grown over the years.
It is safe to say that as a City Councilman, I would be supportive of looking for ways to help with this problem.
Banners, Yard Signs and Getting Started
February 12th, 2009
Ready or not, the banners are here! I've had great luck and support from folks who have agreed to allow placement of my campaign banners in several key, high-traffic and visibility locations around the ward and the city. As a Realtor, over the years I've gotten used to seeing my name on a sign as I drive down the road. I must say that it will be a different experience though, seeing "for City Council" on these particular signs.
The yard signs will be in very soon. As I begin walking neighborhoods to introduce myself and spread the work about my campaign, I would love to get as many of those signs out as possible. If you are supportive of my ideas and believe I'll be a responsible councilman for you, please show your support by allowing me to place a sign in your yard too!
Ready or not, the banners are here! I've had great luck and support from folks who have agreed to allow placement of my campaign banners in several key, high-traffic and visibility locations around the ward and the city. As a Realtor, over the years I've gotten used to seeing my name on a sign as I drive down the road. I must say that it will be a different experience though, seeing "for City Council" on these particular signs.
The yard signs will be in very soon. As I begin walking neighborhoods to introduce myself and spread the work about my campaign, I would love to get as many of those signs out as possible. If you are supportive of my ideas and believe I'll be a responsible councilman for you, please show your support by allowing me to place a sign in your yard too!
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