A *thinking out loud* post — Long Range Planning
I have never run for PUBLIC office. I have held office in fraternal and civic organizations but this is the first time I have ever really considered running for public office.
I have been considering the idea of running for Rowlett City Council in the 2013 election for some time now, but this is the 1st time I have given it any serious thought. I haven’t made a solid decision yet, not in any way, but I am contemplating this action. It would hinge on the support I could garner locally, moral support, as well as financial.
Honestly, I feel the need to DO something for Rowlett, this is my home and this is where I will stay I believe.
Unlike a former candidate that angered a lot of folks in Rowlett when he told them that he didn’t care if he won his race or not, because, as he said, “I have NO ties to Rowlett”, well I DO have ties to Rowlett, and I am NOT afraid to say it.
My wife and I have made this our home. We neither one have blood family in Rowlett but we have great friends, they are not family in the traditional sense, but they are friends that are almost as close as family, friends that are TRUE to their word and honest in their ideas, beliefs and friendships.
And I have seen through those that are merely *players*, the wannabe Rowlett leaders that may have a lot of good in them, but when push comes to shove, they go home and let others do the work, or speak out in a way that is not conducive to the benefit of Rowlett.
I am sure you know some people like that as well.
I’m not in great health, but as long as I can get around I’ll be a Conservative activist.
I’ve angered some folks along the way, and no doubt, I will anger a few more before I am done, but I have decided that no one is going to EVER turn me against another person.
We had a former Mayor that was a Machiavellian of the 1st order, and playing people off on each other was his specialty. I will never fall under that spell again.
One of our current Council members is very good at the Machiavellian thing too, and I mistook old and angry for wise and activist and let him wrongly influence my opinions.
I heard a lot of folks talk about another gentleman and his reasons for seeking a seat on Council. I heard quite a few say that HE was getting involved because he was angry, that he had a personal axe to grind, and that was the wrong reason for running. I don’t know if that was true or not, I have had several conversations with this gentleman and have seen no anger.
I’m not angry, I just want to do something really GOOD for once in my life, something to benefit others, and hopefully, to benefit generations to come.
I am an Independent fiscal Conservative. I’m retired, and a former business owner, my wife and I were engaged in the transportation of High Value Products; art work, stage and trade shows, electronics, and classified military components for a major Van Line. We were award winning operators until my health forced us into early retirement.
I’m bold and brash, I don’t parse my words and political correctness is NOT my strong suit. I speak my mind on what I see as ills of this nation, the state of Texas, Dallas County and Rowlett. It’s what I do.
You may not always agree with what I say but you can always know this; I speak what I believe to be the truth.
Some folks don’t handle the truth well, that is one of the reasons I have stayed away from politics. I may be too honest, too blunt and too politically incorrect to ever hold elected office. I will not pander to ANY group and I won’t tell you what YOU want to hear in order to get on your good side. Will that work in politics? It remains to be seen, only time will tell.
As I said, I don’t know how far this will go, I am, to quote Fred D. Thompson, testing the waters.
If any of my readers have any sage advice or suggestions, I am listening!
Well, Fred, I personally believe you would make a fine Councilman indeed.
I will back and support you, and offer this advice: go to Northern Tool and get a new pair of wading boots. There are days you will need them. Also, go to Costco and get a case of kleenex for the cry-babies that will invariably try to feed from your teat.
Throw your hat in, Fred, I’m with you!
I knew I could count on you Ron, and thank you!!
Go for it Fred. I’ll be your south texas campaign manager… oh, that won’t work for the city of Rowlett…. Hmmm, OK, I’ll be your booster down here. How’s that?
Seriously, good for you, as one former Speaker of the House (a Democrat, so I won’t mention his name) ALL politics is LOCAL. Proud of you for tossing your hat into the ring.
Nothing is written in stone, not by ANY means… The 1st thing I have to do is convince Becky… 😕
Okay here’s my 2 cents:
I don’t know of the issues Rowlett have. I don’t know if there’s a drastic change needed. IF there is, then NEW blood on the city council is what is needed. IF the city of Rowlett is failing or is being seen as failing, then Fred is doing a noble thing by trying to fix it. IF fixing it will require a major tune up, then I’m betting Fred will get it done.
Let me know what I can do to help. Go get em Fred (If you decide to do it)
As a redneck, beer drinking, bog dweller, you are going to be one of my best sources for advice! 😛
If you choose to run you will have the full endorsement of Monkey in the Middle. And although it is not a “local” blog, I will help spread the word and hopefully help you raise a few funds.
Keep us informed. And you’d make a great Councilman.
If that works out, maybe Congress next?
Thank you Katie, that is very much appreciated…
Congress? One step at a time, I haven’t even made my mind up on this Council thing yet.
You live in Rowlett??? Who knew???? 🙂 🙂
Seriously, I think t would be hilarious if there is a “candidates forum” or “debate”-youtube will never be the same!!!
On the “positive” side you’d only have to get 100 or so votes to win (seeing how disgustingly low the apathetic voter turnout has been recently…)
Go for it!!!
Well, think about this; when Todd ran unopposed, he won with ONE VOTE.
On election day he was the 1st person to vote, Becky was #2 and I was #3, right there, Todd had a land slide.. 😛
He came out of the City Annex and saw Becky and me walking across the parking lot and began to cheer: “I WIN, I WIN, I WIN…”
It was hilarious.. 😛
And I am counting on YOUR vote if I do, and that of your *much better half* as well!
well, DUH!! (on both, my vote AND I have a much better half…)
Really, Fred? For ONCE in your life?? LOL You have helped to raise very fine, wonderful children (that’s one generation); those children have given you beautiful grandchildren (that’s TWO generations); your loving influence on those grandchildren will come to bless their children (that’s THREE generations….and counting)!!!!
You have already done much GOOD in your life. But, don’t let that stop you from doing some more 🙂 RUN!
I truly have the greatest friends! 🙂
Go for it, Fred.
I’m with all the above. We know your community would benefit from you being on the Council.
Why not? Do it.
Your views are no secret. All people have to do is read your blog and decide. It couldn’t be simpler.
BZ
As long as you realize that,,,,,you maybe the only one up there that will be TELLING THE TRUTH,,,then go for it!
Your honesty is what voters want,,,but seldom get!
You’d get my vote, Fred, but I am SURE Rowlett doesn’t let aliens vote. 😉
Goooooo Fred!
You’ve got my moral support, Fred - right now, not being in Rowlett, that’s about all I can give.
But Rowlett could sure use you.