Learning Curve

Going into this city council race I knew there was going to be a huge learning curve; from government protocol, "politicing," to local pitfalls. So far the campaign experience has been relatively seamless. I have an amazing campaign team that consists of members that bring remarkable insight and experience to the table rounding off the campaign into a clean, operating machine!

I have been spending the last few weeks going door to door canvasing the neighborhoods and have only 155 more doors to go out of 1,300! I'm happy to say not only have I lost a couple of pounds doing this, but I have received a much clearer sense of what is on the minds of our community members.

I was told that going door to door is imperative to understanding the needs of the community and it has been one of the best things I could possibly do in order to truly represent the community. So, what are on the minds of the community?

Well, I hear tons of support, which is a good thing... for my campaign and particularly regarding the idea of a downtown Nevada City Farmers' Market. We just received unanimous approval by the city council for 18 consecutive weeks of street closure for the market and I have no doubt that this thing is going to be big and beneficial to many!

As I go door to door this is one of the more popular responses I hear "I love the idea of a Saturday Farmers' Market." This only reinforces my belief that one of the more powerful things and elected official can do for its community is open up the channels for the community to do "business among itself." That is what the farmers'market represents economically speaking; a vehicle for entrepreneurs and business owners to "test the market" with little very risk. This has never been more important than now in these economically challenging times!

There are several other comments I hear quite often going door to door and one is a general state of frustration with the Planning Commission. I hear people feeling very disgruntled by the Planning Commission and how folks want things to change. Some of this is based upon some very sound arguments and sometimes it's just a plain ol' gripe against the "establishment." I generally ask those who are upset if they would like to do something about it, be a part of the solution, and would they be willing to be a Planning Commissioner? This is generally when everyone backs down. I don't know what to say to this except, if you don't like something then the best thing to do is roll up your sleeves and jump in to change what you don't like. That's why I'm doing what I'm doing. I have had enough! So, for those of you who are "fed up" I have to ask.... what are you doing about it? I think this town and country has done a lot of great things.... but I honestly think we can do a whole lot better.

So, WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?

Welcome to My World

Whether you want to blog here to respond to my Nevada City Council candidacy or you have a few ideas you would like to share, this is the place to do it. I ask for your thoughts, vision, or solutions to any problem at hand. I will post to my blog as I make my way through this amazing world... in an amazing time.