Although this is not my campaign website and I’ve tried to avoid making it seem like such, I did open that can of worms myself with Monday night’s post. For that, I apologize. This weblog is typically reserved for education issues, state and local government matters, with some personal and parenting trivia or commentary with extraneous things thrown in.

The challenger candidate in the school board race is out there working hard, going door in a long-sleeve dress shirt and tie, even on hot sunny days. He’s obviously working his base, and this morning, we were both greeting people coming in for the first day of early voting. In his campaign style, he shows promise. (Does that count as a sufficient "attaboy?")

Yes, I believe that voter contact is absolutely necessary — not only during the campaign, but also once elected for the duration of the term. I’ve been participating in some door to door and similar efforts, though I’m certainly not about to detail my campaign strategy in a public place. I will tell you this: I hate yard signs (although yes, there are several in my yard), and I believe that local elections have gotten far too expensive. Thus, I don’t have — and won’t have — as many yard signs out as some, and I won’t raise or spend anything in the range of what many municipal elections have cost in recent years.

I’m running on my record: I have worked toward and completed many of the issues I set forth when I first ran five years ago, and when I was elected four years ago.

When I noted that the young man did not attend Monday night’s work session, it was, in my opinion, a legitimate critique. The budget is one of the most important functions of the school board, and this year, it is particularly complex due to pending changes from Nashville — changes that we are cautiously optimistic will be positive, but we won’t know until early June at the earliest. That complicates matters.  We were told was to not plan any June vacations this year; it is almost certain that our budget will have to be amended.

On another venue, LeeRoy Gilliam asked if Oak Ridge could ever support a younger candidate, and the answer is yes. Mayor David Bradshaw was only about 25, I think, when he was first elected. But he had completed his education, was employed as a full time professional, was married and owned a home. Those elements were evidence of stability and responsibility for a man of his age. Even so, I recall that his first couple of years on City Council were a little rough.

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There is no question that there are people who would love to see me defeated, not for my actions (or lack thereof) as a member of the school board, but purely personal. That’s a risk I’ve taken in remaining true to who I am instead of pretending to be someone I’m not; in some cases, it was a risk I took because I thought it was the right thing to do.

In doing so, I knew there would be a few people who looked for anyone to support in my stead at the next opportunity. That is underway, and I’m aware of it. The flip side is, there are people who thanked me for doing the right thing at some of those decision points, and they support me in this race because they believe that I will do the right thing, even if it is difficult, risky, or unpopular in some quarters.

That’s why I do what I do.
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Early voting started at 11 a.m. today, and continues until 6 p.m. at the mall — the entrance nearest the flagpole. And yes, I would very much appreciate your vote.