Getting into local politics... A Primer?

[zaj]

After volunteering on a *very* part-time basis in this Presidential election (while holding a demanding full time job), I seem to have caught the public service bug. I've been thinking about entering into local politics.

I have a number of issues locally that are very important to me personally including

* Transportation planning
* Local technology development and entrepreneurship
* Creating new high paying jobs
* A number of Tucson specific issues environmental, etc.

I have no experience other than door knocking and phone calling. That's only been in evenings and weekends. And mostly working with other volunteers.

Does anyone have any person incite? Any advice? Is there a local politics primer out there that I should read?

Are there ways to get involved without giving up my job? Or are there ways that I can give up my job and still earn an income?

[whalerider55]

1. need some info, first...

zaj-

small town or large city?
send me a private e-mail for a fuller response; i am both an elected official and hold down a fulltime job; i am not a fulltime elected official. there are lots of opporuntities to "break in", depending on where you are and what you want.

whalerider55

[Infomaniac]

2. Dean's new book

Might just get you started.

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0743270134/qid=1096858631/sr=8-1/ref=pd_csp_1/102-6187496-5216930?v=glance&s=books&n=507846

If the link doesn't work, The title starts with You have the power...

[iamjoy]

3. Your Local Party

I don't know what things are like in OK - in Orange County FL we have a very organized and active Democratic Party.

* Join your county's Democratic Executive Committee.
* Become a precinct committee man/woman

Start making contacts now and in a few years run for a city or county commission position. You could also try state legislature, depending on what is "needed." by the party. You will definately need the help of your local DEC. Other volunteers can be connected with you through them to help you get the signatures you need to get on the ballot and to canvass and phone bank. They may also provide "walk lists" of voter registration files so you know what areas/voters to target.

[Jeff in Cincinnati]

4. A few hints

Get involved in local elections. The party structure (usually on the city or county level) is different than that of a presidential campaign, which is generally run by paid political operatives who answer to the national campaign. Your experience, while valuable is one of those "apples and oranges" things.

School Elections. If you're a Democrat in a Republican area, you've got a huge uphill battle. One saving grace is that many local elections (depending on where you live) are non-partisan. Working on a school levy campaign is a good way to meet and network with people in your immediate neighborhood (Republicans and Democrats) and convince them that you're a decent person and a responsible leader.

Here's a good book: "How to Win Your First Election" by Susan Gruber. It's a very helpful "how to" book for running a grassroots campaign. It's available on Amazon.com

[NMDemDist2]

5. look into going to a Wellstone camp. They have a program

just for people like you!

http://www.wellstone.org/camp/index.aspx

[davsand]

6. City Council is a place to start.

It is immediate service to the people and it is an excellent training ground for other races. You can do that and still work your day job.

Here in Illinois we have a County structure, and County Board is another option for service. Zoning and economic development both come into play there. There are also Township races for various seats--those also can be a great place to start.

You can also consider a State House race--but frankly, I'd be reluctant to urge anyone to jump in at that level for a first time race. If you do want to do it, I'd suggest that you find a couple of people to advise you who have been in a race like that before.

As far as a primer for politics, I know Carville wrote a book a few years ago about running a campaign--but I've not read it, and can't vouch for it. He knows his strategy, however, and reading any of his stuff is well worth it.

DU has a fair number of folks on here who have either run for election or have managed campaigns. If nothing else, you can always ask for hints and ideas on here. This is a great crowd of activists and organizers, and you could do a lot worse than to have these guys as advisers.

On a personal note, congratulations on finding your calling. politics is an amazing world. It's one that I enjoy a lot, and I had no idea years ago that my "hobby" was ever gonna end up a way of life.

It is addictive, however! Someday you will find yourself sitting out an election and feeling let down because you aren't out walking precincts or making calls. You may also find yourself having cocktails with people you never dreamed of knowing--let alone being chums with.

Best of luck to you!


Laura

[CornField]

7. If your primary focus is to serve the community, I'd suggest volunteering

All City Councils, County boards, school boards, etc. have an over-abundance of committees. In my smaller community (about 27,000 population) we have a Water Board, Public Services Board, Planning and Zoning Commission, ADA Advisory Board, Park Board, Library Board, Zoning Board of Adjustment, Citizens Performance Committee, and loads of others that come and go, depending on current issues/concerns. For instance, we had a citizens' board which looked at space efficiency at the City Hall... one that helped plan a school board bond issue (to build new facilities)... another to help develop donated land into a park... one that looked at low-income housing issues...

You get the idea. There are lots of opportunities out there to serve your community which will not require running a full election. Typically such boards meet one or two times per month in the evening. Typically there is no monetary incentives offered.

Elections are exciting, but sometimes the actual day-to-day government red tape can be ... well, boring. Volunteering to serve on a committee might provide you enough of a peek into the process for you to make a decision on if it really is for you.

Good luck!

[AP]

8. Offer to precinct captain for a big campaign. Volunteer on more and more

campaigns. Do a good job. Talk to people. Express an interest. Make the people for whom you volunteer feel like they owe you a favor. Run for something yourself.

[fabius]

9. Contact Pima County Dem Party.

Used to be pretty good when I was there. Work for a legislative or city council campaign. Find out who the operatives are.

If you're younger than 35, check into Young Democrats. We had a pretty good organization there 20 yrs ago. I worked on Goudinoff and Kromko's camapigns. Also McNulty and Mondale in '84. Run for precinct committee, you'll probably win. (lot of empty slots usually). Organize your district. etc.

Jump in with both feet. Pace yourself so you can keep your family and day job. You'll learn the ropes soon enough.