Has Anyone Ever Served on City Council ?

LadyFish

LadyFish

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I have recently been approached to run for City Council. I'm already a very busy person, both socially and with work. Does anyone here have experience serving? If so, I have a few questions:<br /><br />1. Was your experience a negative one, if so, why?<br /><br />2. Were you really able to make a difference in your community?<br /><br />3. How much did you have to spend on your campaign?
 
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mellowyellow

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Re: Has Anyone Ever Served on City Council ?

howdy LF, never served myself, but a local "kid"<br />just out of college was elected to c.council a<br />few years back. all he did was go door to door<br />introducing himself and asking folks about what<br />issues were important to them. it worked :D <br />good luck councilwoman Ladyfish...
 
JB

JB

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Re: Has Anyone Ever Served on City Council ?

Howdy, LF.<br /><br />I served as both School Board Member and on the City Council of a small town back in the 70s.<br /><br />A double edged blade. Able to make a difference in the community, but automatically make enemies in the process. Uses up a lot of time and energy. Get hostile flack from those who oppose what you do. (Not a lot different than serving here as a moderator).<br /><br />Didn't spend a dime on either campaign. Both were fully financed by supporters.<br /><br />Would I do it again? Yes. I have a thicker skin now. :) <br /><br />Good luck. You seem like a lady with good ideas about how things should be done.
 
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jinx

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Re: Has Anyone Ever Served on City Council ?

Yes, I was on the county Board of Supervisors in a jurisdiction with approx 160,000 people. <br /><br />I ran for office three times, and never were they easy campaigns. <br /><br />You will find there are many acquaintances, but few friends in the position. In addition, people will turn on you for the smallest things. Still, it was a very rewarding time, but I would not do it again.<br /><br />Now that I have begun to type this I have forgotten your specific questions except the cost of the campaign.<br /><br />I raised 30k the first time, 100k for the county wide race, and 50k for my last run at the district. Unfortunately, in my county, campaigns cost a lot, but that can vary widely.<br /><br />The important thing in raising money is to not owe anyone anything. If they support you it is because of your values and not your promises.<br /><br />Let me know if I can offer any other advice, but it's not worth much.<br /><br />Jinx
 
LadyFish

LadyFish

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Re: Has Anyone Ever Served on City Council ?

Its a 2 year term and there are major issues to be addressed; beach erosion and drainage to name a couple.<br /><br />I have already spoken with the City Administrator and am awaiting a call from the Mayor. Only a couple of meetings a month and budgetary items are sent to you a week in advance so it dosen't appear to require too much time.<br /><br />Thanks for your input MY, JB and Jinx.<br /><br />Jinx, you mean I just can't make up a batch of homemade cookies and go door to door? ;) Actually, we only have about 1,500 residents so campaign will be easy.
 
Fly Rod

Fly Rod

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Re: Has Anyone Ever Served on City Council ?

Never was on the city council or held any other public office, neither was my wife in this town of 30,000.<br />But we were very much involved in politics. My wife was clerk of commitees and attended every city council meeting & every function.<br />I think it takes allot away from a family if you do serve. If you have family I'd difinitly sit down and have a good sound talk because it is a big commitment. Your always busy either on the phone or out talking to people. Family will become second fiddle.
 
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JGREGORY

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Re: Has Anyone Ever Served on City Council ?

Ladyfish, this is from someone on the inside.<br /><br />Before you make your decision find out a couple of things. <br /><br />1. Get a copy of the budget. It will tell you what kind of revenues your receiving vs appropriations. How is the city funded. Is there property taxes involved. Remember any grant money generally has a matching contribution of some sort. Can the town afford to go into debt to pay for the improvements with no or a nominal increase.<br /><br />2. Talk to the Assessor, Is the city growing still will there be new rateable's to offset the increase in appropriations to keep the rate stable. We strive in this Town to have a flat tax rate. No one likes tax hikes. Will you be able to keep the rate from fluctuating.<br /><br />3. Look into the motivations of why are you being asked. Is it just for a guaranteed yes vote. Are you being brought in to forward on someone else's agenda.<br /><br />And Finally, And this is not to discredit anybody who serves or has served on a governing body, The real power is with the people who implement the policies. Just like the real power behind the president is the Aides. Check with your state laws and find out exactly what you can and can not do. We had a change in party here with one council seat who ran on a platform of grants and revenue enhancements. Only to realize she could not do anything about the revenues and the grants are costing the town an extra 5 cents on the tax rate because of matching funds.<br /><br />Just a few things for you to ponder Ladyfish. I wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide. <br /><br />If you need any further help or guidance e-mail me at. Jgregory_gbt@hotmail.com<br /><br />John Gregory, QPA, RPPO<br />Deputy CFO/ Purchasing Agent<br />Township of Green Brook<br />Somerset County, New Jersey
 
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tylerin

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Re: Has Anyone Ever Served on City Council ?

Ladyfish if it means taking time away from iboats than I would suggest you pass :) You have an obligation here (remember what you promised Bassy) You'd take care of us while she was away :D Damnit get your priorities straight ;)
 
LadyFish

LadyFish

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Re: Has Anyone Ever Served on City Council ?

Tylerin you are right. What the heck was I thinkin. ;) :p
 
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SinisterAngel

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Re: Has Anyone Ever Served on City Council ?

Kind funny this came up. I'm thinking about running for county commissioner.
 
Bassy

Bassy

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Re: Has Anyone Ever Served on City Council ?

I'm still somewhat here if you need backup Ladyfish. Not much left after a day with these know-it-alls, but some. You just let me know.<br />Bassy
 
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RetNav

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Re: Has Anyone Ever Served on City Council ?

LadyFish,<br /> You originally posted on the 10th, when do you think you will let us know what your decision was?<br /><br /> Do you think it would be possible to get some names from the local cemetary and send us here on iboats some absentee ballots along with the names from the cemetary? If you can do that, two things will happen:<br /> 1. You would get elected.<br /> 2. You would begin your political career on the right foot. :D :D :D
 
LadyFish

LadyFish

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Re: Has Anyone Ever Served on City Council ?

LOL RetNav. Actually, I picked up my filing papers and campaign packet the other day. I saw the Mayor last night and he's invited me to have dinner with him and the City Administrator this week to discuss upcoming issues. It should be interesting since they approached me to run. I can't wait to hear their agenda.<br /><br />My final decision will be made within the next 10 days. :)
 
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RetNav

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Re: Has Anyone Ever Served on City Council ?

Way to go LadyFish, keep us posted.
 
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tylerin

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Re: Has Anyone Ever Served on City Council ?

:confused: This place may go to he!! in a handbag :D
 
LadyFish

LadyFish

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Re: Has Anyone Ever Served on City Council ?

Well, yours truly is now a candidate for city council. I filed my papers last week after a nice dinner at the Country Club with the Mayor and City Administrator. I was pleased that we didn't really dicuss issues at this point. Right now, I am more interested in hearing the concerns of the people in the community. It was mainly a 'get to know you better' meeting and to let me know more about the process and who I'd be running against. Most of them are much older and all belong to one of our community cliques. Thankfully I do not.<br /><br />A few weeks ago when I picked up my papers, I was the only one other than the two incumbants. At a council meeting last night I learned that in addition to the two incumbants running there are seven others besides myself with only three slots open.<br /><br />Election day is May 15th with early voting April 15th. I am ordering my signs today.<br /><br />Wish me luck.
crossfingers.gif
 
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tylerin

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Re: Has Anyone Ever Served on City Council ?

Good luck Ladyfish, I know your city will be a better place for it :)
 
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gaugeguy

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Re: Has Anyone Ever Served on City Council ?

You go girl ;) If you want to hire any goons to rough up your opponents, or to squeeze a couple extra votes out of the townfolk, give me a call. :D Good Luck :cool:
 
LadyFish

LadyFish

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Re: Has Anyone Ever Served on City Council ?

Thanks Tylerin and gaugeguy. :) <br /><br />This morning at 9:30 I get to draw for my place on the ballot.
 
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tylerin

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Re: Has Anyone Ever Served on City Council ?

This morning at 9:30 I get to draw for my place on the ballot.<br /><br />
Click to expand...
Don't they call that a Texas "draw" :D
 
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