meet the commish

So I probably told most of you that I'm running for office as one of three port commissioners for our county. I'm in district 1 (which includes the dean household). Today the current commissioner gave his resignation, and there was a publicly accessible interview of the two candidates to be a provisional replacement until the elections determine a more long-term solution.

So I sat next to my opponent and we were asked questions from "why are you running?" to "how do you feel about technology versus tourism for skamania's economic development?". My heart seriously dropped when I heard the laundry list of development projects, wealth, and competence expressed by my competition, a 44 year old kiteboarder with more travel and big money trades in a week than I could list in a year, along with long blond locks. It was more stress than I have felt in a long time, and I've felt a bit of it lately, mind you.

There were a couple of opportunities in the interview where I felt I could score some points, where I stressed more of a global bang for the buck approach for the port-economic development. my opponent was speaking more on behalf of the kiteboarders, and a small section of beach. I also have taken part in a lot of local events including commission meetings specifically, getting involved, volunteering, and learning.

I was coming up with some sort of concession speech as the commission held a closed-door discussion about the successor--planning how to absorb this defeat by someone who so clearly out professionaled me.

Turns out they want me. the chairman said I'm fresh and artistic, and they felt they needed that. Anyways, this could be a fleeting play at political life, or if I'm lucky in the election, it'll be at least 2 more years to shape a small part of stevenson. I get sworn in on thurs.

Not feeling too "fresh". I have another b-day tomorrow.