Up until about May 2015 I was pretty set on not running for reelection for the Shenandoah City Council seat of Councilman At Large. The curious thing about public office is that for anyone with a conscience, near the end of the term, you are left to deep reflection and self evaluation. It is during this evaluation that I had a learning experience which led me on a path to decide to run again to serve the residents of Shenandoah, Iowa.
First, let me explain the points I had in not running. Without going into great detail the first three years had many instances of personal attacks on not only my stance on specific issues but also my religion as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The feeble malice attempts of but a very few to thwart my allegiance to the people ended up poising my own Constitutionally protected right to free speech (otherwise known as the First Amendment) in jeopardy. Not so much now, but there was a span of time when my removal was sought through false and ill-willed means.
The anxiety within was severe for quite some time but I have since extended my forgiveness in hopes that the greater good, service to the people, may be achieved with the fullest of my attention. Yet, let's be clear. As one who is not comfortable being confrontational, the whole experience understandably led me to thoughts of not running again. I even entertained my suspicions that my performance was unsatisfactory by the majority. This is not the case so I am told.
Before I get into what changed my mind I'd like to reveal what my original intent was for running for City Council in the first place back in 2011. It may all sound rather cheesy but I feel it is important. I did not know the names of anyone then serving on the City Council. I did not know who the City Administrator was or even the City Attorney. I did not know the names of most City employees. My ignorance went so far that I barely knew who the Mayor of Shenandoah was and I credit that to seeing his name in the paper from time to time. On top of this I did not know or was not current on the issues impacting the city at that time. I offer this to illustrate that I had no hidden agenda for running for public office. I had no vices or grandeur for "change."
In all truth my original intent for running is the strongest suit I have for offering to serve a second term - simply to serve the people in good and clear conscience.
For many weeks of late I've sat, pondered and stewed over whether I should or should not run. As is my custom in issues of mental strain I resorted to scripture study and prayer to find strength and answers. In studying the afflictions of Peter and John I came across Chapter 5 Verse 41 in the Book of Acts of the New Testament in the King James Version of the Bible.
I know. Right now you have that "huh" look on your face wondering what the heck this is all about. Here it is. My original intent was clean and transparent - to serve the people. All my good intentions and ambitions are inseparably connected to my foundation. My foundation is to serve my God (see Pledge of Allegiance) by serving the people in protecting their Constitutional rights and aiding the expansion of their potentials, possibilities and opportunities to pursue happiness, and to create and foster a very diverse city in which all this can be comfortably accomplished within the bonds of peaceful coexistence.
Basically, if I am able to retain that level of intent to serve in spite of the trials and difficult decisions inherent with any City Council then why not run again if you have the desire. If you have the desire to serve then you are called to serve.
After much pondering and study I am here to announce that my intention remains the same. My desire to serve without guile, pride and without respecting one person or group over another remains void of anything hidden. After the experiences over the past four years I now know that I should welcome and rejoice in the trials and difficult decisions that come my way. These are decisions placed upon those who hold the post of Councilperson and those mantles are sustained by the governed - in this case the people of Shenandoah.
There is no elected official that anyone would honestly say they feel they agreed with all of their decisions. Seeking such a person will lead to a sad life. So I ask a question: Do you feel that my performance, whether you agree or disagree, has been in my good conscience? If so, then you can take faith that some good decisions will result. If not, then I welcome how you may vote.
It may be asked what it is I want to accomplish in my second term as Councilman At Large. To this I would respond that it remains my objective to create environments to bridge the gaps not only between the people and their immediate local government but between all people in general. In a city of around 5,000 we have about twenty Christian denominations represented. That is a large number per capita. I would encourage understanding and civility between them all as this town has historically always done. I would encourage more people to get involved with their City government. There are few opportunities of equal satisfaction than to serve your neighbor. More should be exposed to such an honor. These are my continuing aspirations while serving in City government.
I would encourage those within Shenandoah to Share if not Like and Share this announcement to your fellow citizens. Even if I am not supported it is important to me that they at least understand who I am and what I represent as one currently sustained by the people to sit on a Council of five for the City of Shenandoah.
Twitter @1to1WorldConnct
First, let me explain the points I had in not running. Without going into great detail the first three years had many instances of personal attacks on not only my stance on specific issues but also my religion as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The feeble malice attempts of but a very few to thwart my allegiance to the people ended up poising my own Constitutionally protected right to free speech (otherwise known as the First Amendment) in jeopardy. Not so much now, but there was a span of time when my removal was sought through false and ill-willed means.
The anxiety within was severe for quite some time but I have since extended my forgiveness in hopes that the greater good, service to the people, may be achieved with the fullest of my attention. Yet, let's be clear. As one who is not comfortable being confrontational, the whole experience understandably led me to thoughts of not running again. I even entertained my suspicions that my performance was unsatisfactory by the majority. This is not the case so I am told.
Before I get into what changed my mind I'd like to reveal what my original intent was for running for City Council in the first place back in 2011. It may all sound rather cheesy but I feel it is important. I did not know the names of anyone then serving on the City Council. I did not know who the City Administrator was or even the City Attorney. I did not know the names of most City employees. My ignorance went so far that I barely knew who the Mayor of Shenandoah was and I credit that to seeing his name in the paper from time to time. On top of this I did not know or was not current on the issues impacting the city at that time. I offer this to illustrate that I had no hidden agenda for running for public office. I had no vices or grandeur for "change."
In all truth my original intent for running is the strongest suit I have for offering to serve a second term - simply to serve the people in good and clear conscience.
For many weeks of late I've sat, pondered and stewed over whether I should or should not run. As is my custom in issues of mental strain I resorted to scripture study and prayer to find strength and answers. In studying the afflictions of Peter and John I came across Chapter 5 Verse 41 in the Book of Acts of the New Testament in the King James Version of the Bible.
"....... rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name."
I know. Right now you have that "huh" look on your face wondering what the heck this is all about. Here it is. My original intent was clean and transparent - to serve the people. All my good intentions and ambitions are inseparably connected to my foundation. My foundation is to serve my God (see Pledge of Allegiance) by serving the people in protecting their Constitutional rights and aiding the expansion of their potentials, possibilities and opportunities to pursue happiness, and to create and foster a very diverse city in which all this can be comfortably accomplished within the bonds of peaceful coexistence.
Basically, if I am able to retain that level of intent to serve in spite of the trials and difficult decisions inherent with any City Council then why not run again if you have the desire. If you have the desire to serve then you are called to serve.
After much pondering and study I am here to announce that my intention remains the same. My desire to serve without guile, pride and without respecting one person or group over another remains void of anything hidden. After the experiences over the past four years I now know that I should welcome and rejoice in the trials and difficult decisions that come my way. These are decisions placed upon those who hold the post of Councilperson and those mantles are sustained by the governed - in this case the people of Shenandoah.
There is no elected official that anyone would honestly say they feel they agreed with all of their decisions. Seeking such a person will lead to a sad life. So I ask a question: Do you feel that my performance, whether you agree or disagree, has been in my good conscience? If so, then you can take faith that some good decisions will result. If not, then I welcome how you may vote.
It may be asked what it is I want to accomplish in my second term as Councilman At Large. To this I would respond that it remains my objective to create environments to bridge the gaps not only between the people and their immediate local government but between all people in general. In a city of around 5,000 we have about twenty Christian denominations represented. That is a large number per capita. I would encourage understanding and civility between them all as this town has historically always done. I would encourage more people to get involved with their City government. There are few opportunities of equal satisfaction than to serve your neighbor. More should be exposed to such an honor. These are my continuing aspirations while serving in City government.
I would encourage those within Shenandoah to Share if not Like and Share this announcement to your fellow citizens. Even if I am not supported it is important to me that they at least understand who I am and what I represent as one currently sustained by the people to sit on a Council of five for the City of Shenandoah.
Twitter @1to1WorldConnct
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