(SAN RAMON) --- An unchallenged political race is an automatic win for the incumbent.
It’s that simple.
If no one steps up to challenge local officials, they remain on the dais; they remain in power over citizens' day-to-day lives, whether residents like it or not.
Local government officials control how much residents' property taxes and parking tickets cost, both of which, left unpaid, can lead to negative consequences. Residents who rent are just as subject to local government laws, from garbage pick-up costs to city recreation fees.
This reality is all the more reason for local government races to be full, with citizens having the opportunity to choose from a diverse set of candidates who best represent their ideals in an elected official.
That needs to be the case for five Tri-Valley cities: Danville, Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton and San Ramon.
Each one of these towns has at least two to three uncontested mayor and council seats, giving the incumbents an effortless victory, which is a frightening reality if, in fact, the elected officials do not have the citizens' best interests at heart.
The only reason they remain there is that the very citizens who can challenge incumbents and win fear they do not have the resources, which is the first lie. It does not take money to win a local election.
Just ask Dublin Councilman John Morada or Newark Councilwoman Eve Little. Both newly elected officials spent less than $5K each to run winning campaigns. The elected officials will be the first to tell you that the most important factor for any elected official is the love of community.
Before the elected officials sat on the dais, they were two citizens who wanted to see their neighborhoods and community thrive along with their families. Though they sit higher than the public at government meetings, when they get up and leave, they go home and become someone’s neighbor.
The love of a neighbor is how citizens rise in these five uncontested cities. That is the only qualification needed to be an official. Any resident can decide right now that it’s time to step up in Danville, Dublin, Livermore, Pleasanton, and San Ramon, just like Morada did in Dublin and Little did in Newark.
(Photo: Newark Councilwoman Eve Marie Little LinkedIn)
The elected officials will share just how they went from citizen to official overnight. Yes, it took Morada and Little time and a small account, but they will be the first to tell you how worth it it is to help shape government action while making priceless community connections.
The No Race Goes Unopposed: Leader Mentorship One-Day Crash Course comes at no better time, with four local cities running uncontested mayor and council member seats.
If you live in any of these five cities and want to be the next elected official, this is the course to attend on August 2 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in San Ramon. The 30-person private luncheon offers all residents need to know to start and win a campaign locally.
(Photo: Dublin Councilman John Morada LinkedIn)
The luncheon cost is $75, which is the first step towards seeing your name on the ballot if, in fact, you are ready to become the next mayor or councilmember. The afternoon with Morada and Little is the one chance to spend time with two neighbors who become officials because of their love of community.
There can be no change unless citizens become officials, so let's start now with a crash course on how to become an elected member on a city dais.
For more information, contact Chirag Kathrani at chirag@lead4earth.org.
(Thumbnail Photo Credit Sora Shimazaki)
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