We had a good laugh and didn't think too much about it.When I took out papers to run for the position of select person and went door to door to collect signatures, I was the only person to go to through the process to have my name on the ballot June 9.
This week I learned that a small group of townspeople are running a covert write-in campaign to have voters choose another candidate by writing that person's name on ballots. The rules are that if a write-in candidate gets the most votes, that person wins the election.
The problem with this is the word "covert." It's one of those things that people hear about through rumors and gossip. It's hard to know exactly who or how many are involved.
The good news is that it doesn't look like the intention is a personal attack on me.
The bad news is that it does look like this small group is working undercover to derail an effort to update land use ordinances that has been underway for two years and has involved committee work, public hearings, and compromise.
Originally I wanted to get involved in my community by running for local office and filling a position that it looked like no one else would step forward to fill.
Instead I am caught up in a campaign with an unseen opponent, a campaign that I didn't expect or plan for.
People are helping me with the creation of information about myself, phone calls, letters to the editor, and generally getting out the word. Tomorrow morning, at the recycling barn, a friend and I will hand out post cards that explain who I am.
In the meantime, because I am facing an unknown opponent and I have no idea to what lengths they will go, I have pulled many of my posts from this site. They are "saved in draft" and will reappear when the dust settles. I don't like feeling vulnerable. As honest as I have been in the past year, I do not want to leave myself open to the judgment of strangers if by chance they find me online.
My daughter joked that if someone googles my name the first thing that comes up is a famous porn star. That's not me, but everything on this blog is.
The election is in ten days. Wish me luck with my campaign....
9 comments:
Wooo Hooo! You go girl! I'll vote for you. Entering the boxing ring for sure, very exciting~~!
Isn't it always the way? So often things aren't what they seem. Best wishes to you, I'm sure you'll do great!
Wow; all the best to you in this complicated election.
Best of Luck!!
Sharon, I join everyone in wishing you the very best! As another writer points out here, it sounds like a complicated election -- but I do believe this is a challenge that's been waiting for you. Keep us all posted on how it goes!
you'd have my vote!!! I hope you had a good turnout and had many good conversations today - I'm thinking good thoughts for you! :)
Ah, politics. I hope this works out in the best way possible for you and your community.
And I do understand about the feeling of vulnerability online when things get complicated, as they are now for you. (I don't like it either, but you've got to do what you feel you need to in order to take care of yourself.)
Sharon,
Despite all that is happening you are exhibiting much poise and grace. I think you are being very wise, indeed, and I hope that wisdom serves you well. You would make a wonderful (and integrous!) public servant. Good luck!!!!
Sharon, it must be frustrating to deal with a covert candidate. Your campaign is up-front and transparent, and I hope enough people in your community will show their appreciation for that style of campaigning at the ballot box!
Good luck! I'm rooting for you!
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