If one wanted to run for local office of a small city, which one would

[NoSheep]

have a greater impact on change? I'm sure we've got some elected officials here and people who are much more savvy about this than I. If I were in a position to run, or if YOU were, what would it be, and why?
Then, let's say that would be impractical in my case or your's, what agency would you try to apply for employment with in order to put your efforts into something important?
:)

[ironman202]

1. local school boards, imho

[GreenPartyVoter]

2. Welcome to DU

[NoSheep]

3. That was my first thought! But then I don't have children and I feel that

office would be so "public" that one may not be able to get anything done without soooo much scrutinizing that you'd be rendered impotent. Damn. That's an interesting comment from someone who wants transparency in government!!!!(I'm fairly radical)

[NoSheep]

4. Hi ironman202. Welcome!!!

:hi:

[dave502d]

7. Welcome to DU ironman202.n/t

[dave502d]

5. Run for County Board.n/t

[rogue_bandit]

6. Have a purpose

I was recently elected to city council. In my city this is an unpaid position. I ran the only contested race (out of four available positions) and my opponent didn't do much except not-so-subtly announce (in a nonpartisan race) that he was a republican.

I ran because the council had a history of disrespectful behavior towards anyone supporting justice beyond the propertied class.

I told my supporters (12 people willing to knock on doors, 50 people willing to give a few dollars) that if the campaign itself could not further my goals than there was no point in running.

So, all my literature talked about 'voice' and being 'heard'. I even included a brief paragraph on how I felt disrespected by the council at a hearing. And, yes, I even had a picture of me holding a baby (seemed corny, and still does, but it provides a certain frame that works).

Basically, I won all the Dems and Independants while my opponent won all the repubs (all he really did was get the support of the local morning right wing talk show hosts, but that and his election pamphlet statement told everyone he was a repub). In my area, the repubs, dems and indies are roughly thirds with the repubs having more but not a majority.

Lots of repubs voted for me, I know, and I probably lost a lot of indie voters. It's just that for some reason the proportions worked out.

That's probably more than you need to know.

If you run for office, have an agenda for change and put it out there clearly. One issue that covers your belief in democracy.

Can you state your issue in no more than three words? Then you are ready to go.

Feel free to post a private message to me if you want some help.

[NoSheep]

8. Thanks for your response. I may soon be moving to an area where I

hardly know anyone. I've become quite politically active since the neocon takeover of the country. I'm thinking that maybe I could do more... beyond writing letters and emails, responding to polls and attending marches. It might be a good idea to take up something like
this in light of the fact that without ties, I will have more time on my hands. I am most concerned about voting transparency, as I feel the last 2 "elections" were stolen. I currently live in the most liberal area of NC and the move would be to Minneapolis, hardly a city that needs my help. They're blue as can be!!! I'm just starting to think about this and thought I'd put a few feelers out to see what other DUers think about the idea. :hi: :kick:

[ISUGRADIA]

9. I live in Minneapolis

and I'd suggest getting involved in you neighborhood group as a start. That seems to be what many of the current city council members have as a start. Here's a webpage with some info on Mpls. neighborhood groups:

http://www.nrp.org/R2/Neighborhoods/Orgs/Organizations.html

[NoSheep]

10. Thanks!