Gentlemen’s Corner w/ Colin Furcht – The Gentlemen’s Guide to Running for Public Office
Colin Furcht
While I’ve tried not to make these personal week after week, I was compelled to write this with the encouragement of a special person in my life. It’s much easier to write about things in general, things I think I would have wanted to know 20-30 years ago. Well, as someone who has ‘thrown his hat’ back in the ring of local politics, after a two-year hiatus… here goes!
What’s first?
There are several aspects of making the decision and then ultimately putting yourself on the ballot. In my humble opinion, public service is not for the timid. There are times when you are in the room of supporters and the next, another group is picketing you right outside. Being able to handle both is something I hope to master one day. So, if you are considering it, either in your Town, your County or even at the State and Federal level, buckle up because it will be a ride you will never forget but one you will always cherish. Regardless of the outcome.
Know why you are running. Running for the sake of running is not really the best reason to put yourself out there and could cost a ton of time and money that you should not be spending. If it’s not IN you to be a man of the people (ALL PEOPLE), you probably need to rethink your decision. Regardless of your political beliefs, being in public office means you need to represent the public. That does not mean you will make them all happy.
Have a tangible, explainable plan. Be able to articulate your ideas briefly, with drive and explain why. Folks will ask you hard questions, you need to know the answers. Sometimes they might not like the answer, but you need to shoot them straight. Quick example. Traffic here in our Town is very bad at times. The perception is that if we stop building and increase the infrastructure, everything will be fine. While that is a very positive and, at its core, a great idea, it may not be the easy solution you think it is. Know all the factors, as much as you can, that created the problem and know that the solution is never that easy. Especially in Government.
Rally friends and family for support. The process of campaigning is a 24-hour job for the 3-4 months between registering and Election Day. Today, your social media presence is always on. Keep it current. Engaging the support of your circle can help get the word out, help with handing our information, putting out signs, etc. Use your Brotherhood here as much as possible. Having others out there representing you is very important but also know that you need to…
Meet with constituents. YOU need to be out there as much as physically possible. Voters want to see you, hear you, question you. There is no replacement for ‘pressing the flesh’ as they used to say back in the day. Get used to it, as folks will now recognize you out and about and most will come up and want to talk. Have your 2-3 talking points ready and keep it brief. If the conversation starts to get long or heated, make an appointment to speak another time.
Meet with the leaders of your party. Every Local Government has a County Representative, and they have a State Representative. Use them. These folks will generally be more than happy to help you, support you and connect you. Take every bit of help you can. Hopefully, if you have the desire, you may be them in a few years. Taking care of the next generation of leaders is something we all strive to do.
Be honest. This goes without saying and unfortunately it is an unfortunate oxymoron within politics. At the end of the day, your word and your reputation are all that you. The people will hold you accountable and they should. If you believe something, say. If you are against it, say it. If you are undecided, that’s ok, but know both sides will push you to decide. That’s where this gets hard. Understanding both sides of an issue, doing the research, listening to your gut and eventually deciding is something you will do dozens of times a year. There is always something that needs your input and direction. The ones that impact people directly are usually the hardest.
After all that, I might want to reconsider.
Politics is not for everyone, hence why the same folks seem to run over and over (me) and many end up in those roles for many years. New blood in a race is always important but sometimes tenure and experience will prevail. Every election is different, and you should always follow your heart if this is something that moves you. My last note, VOTE! Even if you don’t choose to run, we all must VOTE. Every year, every election, no excuses. Historically, voter turnout is less in the non-Presidential years, but those local elections have more impact on you than the Federal ones. Make the time and get your brothers out there too!
Take care of yourselves and your brotherhood!
Colin Furcht
Colin Furcht- Candidate for Cornelius Town Commissioner – BRO Beard Products CEO
Colin has been a long time Lake Norman resident and has been very active in the community. From Commissioner to founding the Lake Norman Lighted Christmas Boat Parade to a featured Author and small business owner! His desire is to bring men together and encourage them to reach out. He has always said, ‘look out for yourselves and each other.’ All men need a Brotherhood. www.brobeardproducts.shop
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