Should I run for city commission?

[Nym90]

There are three open seats on the Marquette City Commission up for election this year. All 3 incumbents are retiring, and get this...the filing deadline is May 12, and so far no one has filed paperwork to run.

So, I'm thinking of gathering the 40 signatures I'd need to get my name on the ballot. I might be unopposed and basically get a free seat! I wouldn't even have to campaign unless someone later stages a write in campaign or something.

It's not like I'm really unqualified or anything, having had some economic development managerial experience as well as a public administration masters' degree.

I'm going to wait and see if anyone serious runs first within the next week. If it's the last few days and two or fewer candiates have filed, I just might do it. It could be a real start to a political career.

[jesmo]

texasleftist and I strongly encourage you to run! You are one of the more sane liberals, and the Democratic Party needs more leftists like you.

(texaslefty would respond herself, but she is having severe problems accessing her account, so that is why I am posting for her).

[dead0man]

Does it pay?  How much time will it require?

[Nym90]

Does it pay?  How much time will it require?

Meetings are once every two weeks and last 2 or 3 hours. So it doesn't seem like it would be a huge investment of time, though of course I'd want to get involved in other community organizations as well.

I believe it does pay some minimal amount like $1,000/year. The connections and name recognition would be worth it alone though, I'd think.

[Verily]

Definitely go for it. What's there to lose? Sounds like a pretty low-input position, too, given that you only meet every two weeks.

[Aizen]

run nym run

or you'll be well-done

[dead0man]

Does it pay?  How much time will it require?

Meetings are once every two weeks and last 2 or 3 hours. So it doesn't seem like it would be a huge investment of time, though of course I'd want to get involved in other community organizations as well.

I believe it does pay some minimal amount like $1,000/year. The connections and name recognition would be worth it alone though, I'd think.

Then go for it.  I was concerned it might be one of those deals that take 20 or 30 hours a week to do but only a pays a $2000/year or something.

[Nym90]

I'm figuring I'll at least go for it. If a few other candidates do jump in and I end up losing, oh well. At least I'll get my name out in the community, and I could probably do well with the student vote on the University campus if I'm half the age of the other contenders.

[Filuwaúrdjan]

Do it!

[JSojourner]

Yes, yes, yes.  Nym -- you're one of the smarter people here and I have always thought you'd make an excellent public policy person.

Keep us posted.  And if you do run and need a contribution, send me a PM.  I can't do much, but i will do what I can!

[Joe Biden 2020]

You should definitely run.  You are one of my favorite people on this forum and I agree with teh other posts that you would definitely make a great public policy person.

[John Dibble]

Yes, but only after I've implanted you with a brain slug.

[Verily]

Yes, but only after I've implanted you with a brain slug.

First Marquette, then the world?

[John Dibble]

Yes, but only after I've implanted you with a brain slug.

First Marquette, then the world?

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

[Grumpier Than Uncle Joe]

Set up your slush fund for kickbacks and go for it.

Oh and don't forget to mention the Atlas as often as possible.

[Bleeding heart conservative, HTMLdon]

Awesome!  I think you would make a fine city commissioner.

[jokerman]

Absolutely.

[Keystone Phil]

Do it!

[Хahar 🤔]

You will be one of the first few Atlas elected officials...of many to come.

[Nym90]

Thanks for all the support. I'm definitely going to fill out the paperwork and run....I go pick it up tomorrow. I have plenty of connections to get the signatures I need, and I believe there's a filing fee, too. Even if a few other people do file, I'll still run a serious campaign and give it my best shot, though obviously I'd prefer to be unopposed.

Realistically I'm as qualified as anyone. I may not have as much experience, but I'm knowledgeable about city issues. It should be a great experience if nothing else.

I'll keep you all posted.

[Flying Dog]

Thanks for all the support. I'm definitely going to fill out the paperwork and run....I go pick it up tomorrow. I have plenty of connections to get the signatures I need, and I believe there's a filing fee, too. Even if a few other people do file, I'll still run a serious campaign and give it my best shot, though obviously I'd prefer to be unopposed.

Realistically I'm as qualified as anyone. I may not have as much experience, but I'm knowledgeable about city issues. It should be a great experience if nothing else.

I'll keep you all posted.

Nice!

They need sane some sane people like you up there.