Apparently, CNN is not going to be offering the winner and
loser of the Prairie Township Fire Department race the opportunity to make
victory and concession speeches. Although I’m somewhat disappointed, I won’t
let it deter me from speechifying.
I have realized that whether the vote calls for a victory
speech or a concession speech, my speech is the same either way. Because of
that fact, I can offer this speech on the eve of the election, which frees me
up to take down signs and still get to bed at a reasonable time on election
night itself. (Unless CNN calls, in which case, I’ll be glad to change from my
sweats into real clothes and give this speech on camera.)
So, here goes. (Feel free to start the klieg lights and
video cameras.)
I’d like to thank everyone who voted today, and for everyone
who has been a part of this experience in democracy. Each vote matters,
especially in a small local election such as this one. The last Prairie
Township election was decided by a margin of 18 votes. Clearly, you get a lot
more bang for your vote in this election than you do in a presidential
election. You mattered today, and I thank you.
I’d also like to thank my opponent. Harry has served this
district faithfully for eight years, bringing the department budget from deficit
to surplus. The fact that we have differing visions for the future of the
department does nothing to make me think less of him as a person, nor does it
detract from his years of service.
I learned a lot more than I had anticipated in the course of
this election, and I enjoyed it a lot more than I thought possible. Here are
some things that I have learned during this campaign:
1) Door to door work is a skill that can be taught, and it
is unexpectedly fun. (Ring the doorbell once, or twice if needed, smile, say
your name, ask them to vote, say your name again, and leave.) I’ve got some
favorite moments from the many times I went out. The person who chased me down
after her husband had spoken to Andy, so that she could tell me how much she
loved my church. The woman who gave us three water bottles because, in her
words, “What you’re doing is so important, and I don’t want you to have to stop
doing it if you get thirsty.” The person who called out of a second floor
window as I was leaving, “You’ve got three votes in this house!” For every
grumpy, semi-dressed person that peered suspiciously out a half-closed door at
me, there were several others who were happy and encouraging.
2) We have some wonderful neighborhoods in Blue Springs,
where people know and like each other. Kind and generous people hosted coffees
with their neighbors so that I could educate them about fire issues, but the
meetings were generally about much more than fires. I loved seeing how people
in Blue Springs care about each other, which is the main reason I ran for PTFD
Board in the first place.
3) Politics is a team sport. Although I chose to run on
behalf of my neighbors, I feared that I would be in it alone. Nothing could be
farther from the truth. At every step of the way, I have received support of
every kind from so many different people, and I am very grateful. I have been
taught so much that I never knew that I never knew. I have gained tremendous
new respect for people who choose to function in the political realm over the
long term. Thank you to Jim, Susan, Georgiann, Judy, Eric, Sheila, Dave, Chandler,
and all of the other folks who have hosted coffees, put up yard signs, spoken
to neighbors, given me advice, and supported me financially. Thank you to
everyone who got out to vote!
4) Most of all, thank you to my husband, Andy, who has loved
me and supported me through this process in ways seen and unseen. He is
fabulous at door-to-door and at putting up signs. He pushed me out the door a
couple of times to get out there and meet people, which was exactly what I
needed. He’s always been a great preacher’s husband, but it turns out he’s a
great political spouse, too!
And so here I am, with the votes counted. (Please remember
that, although this speech is written in advance, it is the same speech, win or
lose.) The people have spoken, and I hear and respect their voice. Now that the
campaigning is done, the real work will begin. The mission of Prairie Township
and every fire department, which is to protect and preserve life and property,
will continue to guide me, and I look forward to being involved actively in helping
to fulfill this mission.
This campaign has been an adventure in democracy, and it has
been an honor being your candidate. Thank you, and God bless America! (Now, would
someone please get those glaring kleig lights out of my eyes?)
