esrosedotblog

When fire horses heard the bell, they would be up and raring to go.

When a dog hears a whistle he runs to it.

When the geese hear the right call, they land on a specific spot.

Instinct.

There is a bit of that still inside of me.

I grew up in a political family. Well, my Dad.

He was a dyed in the wool Democrat and ran successfully for School Board and was its Treasurer for many years.

Not a stretch that I am on the Condo Board here and am the Treasurer.

Apples from trees and all that.

In Pennsylvania, even in our very small microscopic town there was a permanent election building. A small white box that had the machines inside. It was at the end of our street.

I remember going down to watch for the results.

I ran for office in high school. I remember being badly beaten for the class president election. I opted for becoming the editor of the school newspaper. Mimeographed and stapled. Every two or three months.

When I lived in Bucks County (Lower Bucks actually for those who make the distinction) I ran for something which was so dimly possible that I do not remember the office. I registered Republican so I could do it. I think they knew. And I did not campaign. Lesson learned. You have to ask for people's vote.

Then a long hiatus until we lived in Plymouth Massachusetts where I stood for member of the Finance Committee which runs the Town Meeting budgets. Does all the hearings and makes recommendations. Next step, Moderator. Then, when I came out, finally, I left the public life and that was it until we moved here and I stood for the condo board.

Of course, this election brings all the memories back most vividly. Sharpest are standing in the lobby of the Town Office Building awaiting results to be posted on a bulletin board. Nail biting time.

For candidates this is a hellish period. The last days of waiting it out. Everything that can be done has been done. It is in the hands of the electorate.

The wonderful "American way".

Labels: 2016 General Election