Greg and I thought there would be nothing to this part.. I mean, how hard could it be to get 50 signatures?
We were wrong.
People refused to sign. People didn't live in Akron. Endless people who don't vote and will never vote. There were countless hurdles.
I was laughed at. I was told there was no way I could win.
Greg and I swore that we would always sign someone's petitions to run for office if asked. It felt like people who would probably complain non stop about elected officials were the same people blocking a person from running that would give them an alternative.
It took us all day. But we did it. We got 65 signatures and got them in on time.
The lesson for day 2 was that you have a choice. You can choose to look at the bad in people or the good in people.
Because for every bad experience there were probably 5 great experiences.
My mom and neighbors got me 14 signatures.
We went into Arnie's bar in Wallhaven. They called people for us. They went to great lengths to help us and we are not regular patrons there. Heck, I don't even drink!
We registered four people to vote. They were really grateful.
And so many people wished us good luck.
They wanted alternatives to the status quo.
And then there was Facebook. The online outpouring of encouragement was so powerful and intense I could hardly keep up with saying thank you.
There are people that would love to see you fail. And there are people that would love to see you succeed.
I know how compelling the negative energy is. But force yourself to look at the positive. It's always there. And it's great.
Oh! And I was also recommended this book:
How To Win A Local Election, Revised: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide by Judge Lawrence Grey
I have it downloaded and will be reading it this weekend.
Paid For By The People for Sage Lewis