2013 - Run for LOCAL office

[ShaneEnochs]

In NH, 1 of the easiest ways to get elected is to attend (while dressed nicely) the town meetings which interest you. Are you interesting in being on the budget committee? Attend town meetings for that committee. Don't talk much. Occasionally, say polite things to people. Often times, before election comes around, someone on that committee will encourage you to file for an upcoming opening on that committee or another committee. Or, if you attend the selectmen meetings (like a town council but with less power), and are friendly with some of the selectmen, 1 of the selectmen may let you know about upcoming openings. Sometimes, there are already openings and all you need to do is volunteer for the position.

How do you learn procedure? Is that something you just have to pick up, or is it something in a handbook or something that they give you if you're elected? I just don't want to be ineffective, you know?

I would really like to run for the school board. I'm not sure if I have to have a background in education or not.

[ShaneEnochs]

Here's a list of the current school board: http://boe.cabe.k12.wv.us/BoardofEducation.php

I'm not entirely sure how it works, but going on just what I see there, I would assume there are three spots open already since there's no one for District 3, and only one person representing District 1.

[Uriah]

Here's a list of the current school board: http://boe.cabe.k12.wv.us/BoardofEducation.php

I'm not entirely sure how it works, but going on just what I see there, I would assume there are three spots open already since there's no one for District 3, and only one person representing District 1.

This is what you want to read. http://www.legis.state.wv.us/wvcode/...ap=18&art=5#05

Education is covered by Chapter 18 of the West Virginia code. And County Board of Education is covered by section 5. The law states:

"§18-5-1. Supervision and control of county school districts;

number, nomination and election of members.


Each county school district shall be under the supervision and control of a county board of education, which shall be composed of five members, nominated and elected by the voters of the respective county without reference to political party affiliation. No more than two members shall be elected from the same magisterial district."

So there is not an opening unless one of those currently serving does not seek reelection. Contact your county auditor to see which board members will be up for election. Some or all of them could be up. I'm from Iowa so it's probably different in WV.

[Uriah]

Here is a resource I just found http://americanmajority.org/training/

You should also check out anything by The Leadership Institute.

[Matt Collins]

If you think you have a serious "political career" then only run for office if you see a path to victory.

Otherwise, be sure you are running to accomplish one or all of the following

- building name recognition for a future run
- calling attention to a specific issue out there
- causing pain to an incumbant
- getting an opponent on record saying something they don't want to say, or defending somethign they don't want to
- building lists / organization

[1836]

Exactly. And most of them don't have an underlying philosophy. They are easily swayed on some issues.

Unfortunately, most of the local officials around will laugh at your philosophy before they listen to it.

The staff members in local governments will have much more power swaying your colleagues than you will. As will angry groups of favored citizens, upset about this or that program being potentially changed or defunded.

However, if you hold fast by your principles, you will be rewarded with the support of the most important group – the public.

[shemdogg]

hold fast!!

[Uriah]

hold fast!!

can i let go slow?

[shemdogg]

In nh the filing period begins next week

[mz10]

Running for School Committee in my town this Spring.

http://www.mezzinaschoolcommittee.org