I really wanted to win the seat on the Los Angeles College District Board of Trustees. The more experiences I had in the campaign the more
I became invested in this. I fantasized about what I would do with the other
Board members were I to be elected.
But I did not win. I did pretty well. I managed to attain
about 58,000 votes citywide. Not bad for an admittedly uphill campaign against
an incumbent who had reputedly over $500,000 to spend on his campaign. He had
the support of the County Democratic Party, the local parties (except in three
cases where I received enough votes to block his otherwise automatic
endorsement) and both branches of the teachers union-----local chapters of the
America Federation of Teachers. (These branches are, respectively, the Faculty
Guild and the Classified Employees Union.)
There were several tangible rewards to be gained from being
a candidate. I became very focused, purposeful and energized from the campaign.
New friendships developed and I learned a great deal---about the District and
about how it functions (and not so….). I thoroughly enjoyed the campaigning:
the forums, the questions, the challenges, the personal interactions---the
chance to be involved with something that really mattered. And I got to support the staged reading of a
wonderful play by Edmund White.
Of course there were also downsides to the campaign as well
as a few disappointments. I did not get the Los Angeles Times endorsement. I
got no Democratic club endorsements (even though I have been a loyal
progressive Democrat since college). The Faculty Guild did not even invited me
to an interview (they just endorsed my opponent). It was difficult to raise
contributions I needed and I could not afford mailings. Major politicians (some
of whom have been friends) either would not endorse me because of the presence
of an incumbent or would not even return my many phone calls. (I vowed to act
differently if I am ever fortunate to be in a position to do so.)
What I make of all this are several important lessons.
Running for the right political office is very worthwhile. It makes us put our
heart and our talents where our critical mind often takes center stage. It
affords us a chance to be involved, to contribute, and to try to make a
difference. It gives us a chance to believe in ourselves (or not….).
Running for office also takes money (lots of it), talented
associates who are often volunteers, energy and stamina and a thick-skinned
perspective every day. It takes planning and focus and insight. It requires us
to rise above some of our personal selves.
Many voters----and almost all vested interests (I am
thinking here of the Democratic parties and the teachers unions and even the
Los Angeles Times) are going to support the status quo. They are going to be
cautious and conservative in their approaches. You have to work hard to gain
their support---or even to get their attention. Campaigning is often an uphill
exercise.
But, at the end of the day, I am very glad I made the considered
decision to run and to be involved. The rewards and learning will be a treasure
for the rest of my life. I found new ways to be connected and I want to stay
connected.
Finally, campaigns bring unexpected support and openness and
favors. I treasure the mew friendships I made and am grateful for all the
encouragement, participation, contributions and support I received. Many of my
friends either volunteered many hours and much talent or were sources of
encouragement and strength. Again, this all will have a very long shelf life.
So, if you are reading this, please know that I valued your
support. And I had a wonderful, rich time.
