Fecteau: Your Time Is Now; Run for Something
Monday, March 27, 2017
Next year is an election year and could be a game changer for Rhode Island. I’ve written in the past about the need for more political engagement – no matter your political party; that moment could be upon us, but not without challenging those that have clung to political office for far too long.
To those who are considering running for office, your time is now. Rhode Island needs you. The time has come to challenge the status quo, and shape the conversation. While I am a Democrat, I find it refreshing to give the people within your community a choice, to challenge those that believe they are entitled to the office they hold. Rhode Island has infinite possibilities but held hostage by the lack of choice at the ballot box.
I especially encourage young people to run for office. Youth brings an energy, and diversity of thought a place like Rhode Island so desperately needs. Young people are dreadfully underrepresented in our government. They deserve to have their voices heard too and bring new ideas.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTRunning for public office is difficult. It is time-consuming, and sometimes, it is a thankless effort. Your family life could suffer, and it can be physically and mentally exhausting. The name calling is the hardest, and the sheer disrespect is tough. Take some comfort in knowing, those that call you names (e.g. loser) likely never ran for office or are unbending ideologues. Some of your critics may be just simple pawns of those in office.
I ran for office twice. It was challenging. Being called a liar, having your character questioned, and having doors slammed in your face make you second-guess yourself. I’ve been thrown out of Democratic events, had my military service attacked by those who never served, and had people attempt to embarrass me by threatening to post details of my dating (sex) life online – nauseating.
For those of you that lost last time, the fight is far from over. Thank you for trying to change our community for the better and the way our government is run. You have given people a choice, and a voice. You have done something few had the courage or time to consider. Regardless of your loss, failure is a stepping stone to greater success. Dust yourself off and try yet again.
As for any voters who read this, I beg you, take a chance on someone new. We cannot keep voting in the same people every year because of their last name, because they’ve been around for a ‘really’ long time, or they are simply your friend. We need to take a chance on someone different.
We can only complain about our government for so long, and you will never know unless you try. This is the time to consider whether public office is right for you. If you have questions, I would be honored to answer them and would be happy to help in any way possible (no matter your political affiliation). We can change our state for the better, but not without giving people a real choice at the ballot box.
Matt Fecteau ([email protected]) of Pawtucket, Rhode Island was a Democratic candidate for office in 2014 and 2016. He is a former White House national security intern and Iraq War veteran. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewFecteau
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