I've told myself that I would keep politics off this blog. I have several reasons for that decision, but the biggest reason is that this is not a political blog so politics don't really fit here.
However, I was again struck by a local candidate's commitment to his job and to the people he represents. Representative Andy Welti is running for re-election in my district. He's a relatively young man, intelligent and personable.
You might wonder how I know that he is personable. Well, I've met him and talked with him several times over the last several years. He stops by our house at least once every year, usually in the summer time. He stands with Craig and I and asks us what we are concerned about and what matters to us. He wonders if early childhood education continues to be important to us.
Yes, I realize he looks at his notes before he comes to our door. That's beside the point.
The point is, he comes to our door. He takes notes. He listens to us without seeming to be in a hurry to get on to the next house.
Yesterday afternoon the telephone rang and the caller ID announced it was "Welti, Andy" on the line. Normally I just hang up on those political calls because it's just a recording most of the time. Not so with Mr. Welti. It was him on the line, asking if I'd come any closer to making my decision on who I was voting for next week.
When he visited our home this summer I was perhaps more vague than I should have been. He asked then if I'd made a decision who I was voting for and I said I wasn't quite sure. So he'd noted that and was making a follow-up call.
He has now earned (confirmed?) my vote because I don't know that I've ever met or spoken to his opponent. But that's not the only reason I'm voting again for Mr. Welti. I'm voting for him because he seems to genuinely care about his job and the people in his district. (And it doesn't hurt that he supports things that are important to me.)
I'd guess there aren't many politicians out there that do as much to connect with their constituents as he does.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
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8 people like me!:
I can see why you're impressed by him. He's doing everything you want in a state representative.
As per your posts earlier this week:
Congrats on getting your own dot com! It kind of makes you feel all grown up, doesn't it?
And great pics of Miss D. She's beautiful!
Andy is a genuinely good man who really does care about the people in his district. I have a lot of respect for him.
Goes door to door to ask what's important to you? Incredible. Imagine what our country would be like if all elected officials did this!
Unbelievable! What America needs is a Congress full of folks like Mr. Welti. We could get Washington and all the stupidity and corruption that goes up there straightened out in no time.
Blessings from an American serving God in Costa Rica
Wow, that is impressive, and unusual. Worth jumping into the political fray for, I think!
Heather, he is amazing. But still, I wonder how many people miss his message because they refuse to allow him "in" to talk about what is important to him. It's awesome that you gave him the time, so that he could really shine for you.
How awesome that he comes by and talks to you and your family. That is EXACTLY what they should be doing!
I have never been personally contacted by any candidate. That's very impressive!
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