I mentioned a few posts back that I was struggling with a decision and I simply left it at that. But I was considering a run for public office.
The county commissioner for our district is retiring and my brother-in-law suggested that I run. I laughed at first, but the more I looked into it, the better it sounded.
The pay was better than I would have thought, the hours were flexible, and I'd get a chance to work on some projects near and dear to my heart -- getting outside industry to come into our county; and recycling.
Several politicians told me that with my name recognition in our county (I've done a column in the biggest daily paper in the county for years), that I'd bee a shoo-in.
I sat down and did pros and cons, I did mind maps, and I gathered a lot of information by talking to people.
I struggled with the decision, but in the end, I decided that public office wasn't for me.
I think it takes people with thicker skin that I have. Governing is about choosing and it takes a lot of skill to do things that create value for the largest number of people. I think I'd have a hard time dealing with unhappy constituents when I'd done the best job I could possibly do with the resources available to me.
It occurred to me that I can do the projects near and dear to me on a volunteer basis and thus avoid the conflict of unhappy voters.
When I finally told Jilda of my decision, it felt like a weight had been lifted. Here's the thing -- the grass is always greener in places where you're not standing.
If I'd decided to become the commissioner, I would have had to let go of some of the things I love doing.
I wouldn't be able to be on the river early enough to see the mist rising on the water and hear trout hitting flies on the top of the water.
I wouldn't be able to have as many long weekends with friends, or spend as much time on the beach.
I'm retired now. I commuted at least an hour to and from work for over 32 years, it's OK to slow down, pull over, and watch the setting sun.
Having shared my decision, I actually feel taller.
So, you all heard it here first -- The Rickster is NOT running for office.
The county commissioner for our district is retiring and my brother-in-law suggested that I run. I laughed at first, but the more I looked into it, the better it sounded.
The pay was better than I would have thought, the hours were flexible, and I'd get a chance to work on some projects near and dear to my heart -- getting outside industry to come into our county; and recycling.
Several politicians told me that with my name recognition in our county (I've done a column in the biggest daily paper in the county for years), that I'd bee a shoo-in.
I sat down and did pros and cons, I did mind maps, and I gathered a lot of information by talking to people.
I struggled with the decision, but in the end, I decided that public office wasn't for me.
I think it takes people with thicker skin that I have. Governing is about choosing and it takes a lot of skill to do things that create value for the largest number of people. I think I'd have a hard time dealing with unhappy constituents when I'd done the best job I could possibly do with the resources available to me.
It occurred to me that I can do the projects near and dear to me on a volunteer basis and thus avoid the conflict of unhappy voters.
When I finally told Jilda of my decision, it felt like a weight had been lifted. Here's the thing -- the grass is always greener in places where you're not standing.If I'd decided to become the commissioner, I would have had to let go of some of the things I love doing.
I wouldn't be able to be on the river early enough to see the mist rising on the water and hear trout hitting flies on the top of the water.
I wouldn't be able to have as many long weekends with friends, or spend as much time on the beach.
I'm retired now. I commuted at least an hour to and from work for over 32 years, it's OK to slow down, pull over, and watch the setting sun.
Having shared my decision, I actually feel taller.
So, you all heard it here first -- The Rickster is NOT running for office.
Sounds to me like a sensible decision.
ReplyDeleteOh man - that would be such a tough decision, but I admire the time that you took to decide whether it was the right decision for you. Good thinking. :) Enjoy the volunteer work!
ReplyDeleteNo matter what, you have to please yourself first and listen to your heart. So enjoy 2012 and I know you'll get involved in a way that will make a difference in your community.
ReplyDeleteSounds wise to me. My ex-husband used to want to be president. Of the U.S. It was long before he thought he was God. He has such thin skin that it's transparent. He wouldn't have been able to take it, and I would have been known as the bitchiest First Lady in history.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Lola
Good decision. You deserve to enjoy your retirement being in nature and with friends.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't sound like that was an easy decision, I'm not surprised you enjoy the simple pleasures too much to put them in jeopardy. It sounds to me like the people missed out on having you in the office.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you listened to your heart - I'm all for that!! Yay for you! You already do so much for your community.
ReplyDeleteTake care
x
You just do what you thought would suit you best and happy for you!
ReplyDeleteHappy new year and may 2013 bring you many smiles!
Good and wise decision. It is never easy to be a people pleaser. Someone is always going to be unhappy and having that directed at you is not a fun thing to endure. Now you can enter 2012 free of that decision. Best wishes for the new year.
ReplyDeleteDropping by to say:
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year Sir Rick and Miss Jilda!
The best for the coming year!
JJRod'z
and therein lies the problem. the good people who ought to run and be elected don't want any part of it.
ReplyDelete