Postby Dan Shields » Fri Nov 02, 2007 10:23 pm
Thank you all for your participation and your posts - maybe it would be helpful to dive in here.
I have to say, one of the funny twists that this Ward 2 race has taken, is that 'age' and 'freshness' of ideas seems to be at issue. I certainly hope that my ideas are not 'stale' because I happen to be the older (47) candidate. I'm full of fresh, new ideas myself that I would like to bring forth onto council and throughout Lakewood.
I have tried my best to outline these ideas - economic development, safety, foreclosure protection, and arts promotion, in the various political forums, and through my door to door campaign.
By the way, it seems that there are those on this board and throughout the city, that stand ready to give Mike Summers a chance...and he is someone to whom I would concede both age and civic experience.
Also, I am disappointed that I seem to have become characterized as the 'older', 'established' candidate that needs to be replaced. I find it odd that I am somehow lumped into the 'old' order that has run out of ideas, and therefore must be set aside for the 'new'. For the record, I would like a chance at elected office before I'm thrown out of elected office.
There is no doubt that I am leaning on my experience as I seek this position. That's what I know. I don't claim to have all of the answers, but I do know that I have seen enough council meetings, participated on enough Boards of Trustees, and volunteered enough for various organizations, to understand how organizations work. I believe this is essential to being an effective council member. What I bring to the table is proven leadership and experience. I am certain that I can come to council and work with six other individuals for the good of the city. I can do so in a positive, relaxed manner that would lead to consensus rather than division.
Is there ambition here? You bet. I don't consider ambition to be a dirty word. It's what drives the ambition that's important. My ambition is to see the city move forward with smart, creative development, and to be a part of that planning process.
I've lived in other communities, I've always been active, and I feel that I am the right person with the right experience at the right time for this council seat. Thanks,
Dan Shields