What's Next

Well, Election Day is only two months away, and the road ahead is busy. There are many, many coffees at people's homes. All three of us, "Mike, Mike and the Mad Dog," have arranged for coffees. Therefore, we are being graciously hosted by a variety of people. We have several coffees scheduled here in my own community, and even here, I am meeting new people at each one.

Tonight we were hosted at a mobile home park. We had a chance to introduce ourselves and answer questions from the residents. Because it was a small business meeting with a small group in attendance, they have invited us back for another evening to address residents from several other parks as well. I eagerly look forward to having the opportunity to discuss issues with another segment of our community.

I would love to meet the parents of school children. Having served on a Board of Education for so many years, I would like to hear about their concerns here in Jackson. I think that parents everywhere have the same issues at heart. They want the best possible education for their kids. That's just plain mother and apple pie stuff. But I want to hear what they have to say regarding what they want from the Town Council, what issues they would like to see addressed, and how best I can meet their expectations.

And of course I will continue to attend the Council meetings. I wish they would discuss issues before voting. A list of ordinances on an agenda does not offer any insight into their votes. I never hear any dissenting votes except on the hot ticket items such as gypsy moths. I have learned more about caterpillars than I ever wanted to know. It was only through the anger of the residents that the issue was addressed at all. At this point, all their "give them what they want" posturing cannot erase the pain of the residents who lost their trees. All I can do is promise to be very careful before I vote "yes" on any issue that has such huge ramifications as not spraying for gypsy moths, or building a half million dollar basketball court in the middle of three senior communities.

And so we move on. Soon we will be knocking on doors and giving out literature. By the time this campaign is over, the residents of this town will know my name...win, lose, or draw.