MAYOR’S MESSAGE By Mayor
Laura Weinberg
Follow the Golden Rule This Fall
O
ctober is a beautiful month to be in Golden. The trees are changing colors as the weather turns cooler and we feel the last gasp of summer before longer nights arrive. For some it means football season and for others it means election season. For me, October has occasionally meant campaigning and knocking on doors before the November election. I’m not on the ballot this year and want to share some thoughts about becoming an elected official. Running for office is hard and October is ridiculously busy when you work, have a family, already serve on Council, and are campaigning for an election. I chose to run twice for City Council and once for Mayor to serve my community. Not as part of a political career and not because of a single issue that I was promoting or interest group I represented. And certainly not for the compensation. I ran for office because I love Golden, and I still do. There is so much that is positive about serving Golden and usually what I write about, but the negative sides of service also need to be written (at least this one time) because I am still astounded by the accusations that I receive. I have been accused of lining my pockets and receiving money from interest groups and businesses or giving away taxpayer resources frivolously without regard for the community wants or needs. Although our elections and positions are non-partisan, some people have insisted on applying party politics to our local decision making and accuse me of bowing to political party influences. Outside of specific accusations, I have been on the receiving end of intimidation, bullying, and name calling both while running for office and while holding office. I recognize that it comes with the job and that having thick skin is a must. I also know these behaviors are part of the reason why it is hard to find people willing to run for office. I share this to raise awareness during another election season. Outreach is a part of our democratic process which relies on informed voters. People running for office or asking for support or opposition on a ballot issue may approach you. Please give them your respect. It is hard to knock on a stranger’s door and it is hard to ask for someone’s support, especially for introverts like me. Ask a question, take their literature, or share if you have made up your mind or not. It doesn’t have to be a long conversation, but it should be a civil conversation reflective of our Golden values. City Councilors, School Board Members, representatives, and other elected officials take on challenging jobs to serve their communities. Let’s agree to disagree about policies and not speculate about motives or make personal attacks. Let’s find common ground and common beliefs and respect our differences. Let’s follow the Golden Rule to “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Finally, let’s all make a commitment to participate in our great democracy and vote.
4 | October 2021
