Thursday, November 15, 2012

What A Week!

I am humbled and thankful for all of you that supported me on this campaign.  It has been nothing short of amazing running this campaign and being elected as your next mayor of Canby.  Thank you.

We are now in the post-election wrap ups of final numbers being counted, news articles being printed, and last thoughts.  A few things came to light as read over the Canby Herald's coverage of election night; there are also a few corrections I need to state in regards to the paper's coverage. 

I had an interview by Peggy Savage at my election night party at Puddin' River Chocolates.  Her article summed up well my vision and first action items as your new mayor.  I had a problem, though, with the headline on my article:  "Hodson, council candidates a team...."  I am a team with ALL the council members.  It has always been about all councilors and the mayor working together for the good of the city.  Am I thankful for the support and help the 3 councilors who ran with me in this election?  Yes.  But this in no way should come across as "taking sides".  My record for the past 3.5 years as a councilor stands as testament to the fact that I am a proponent of working as a team in the betterment of Canby.

Furthermore, the anonymous editorial seemed to imply that partisanship would play a role in my duties as mayor and in the elected councilors roles.  Yet, the writer also makes a great quote when he/she states that councilors and mayors in the past "have had strong political, fiscal or faith-based views...."  And this is where I fall.  Because some of my political beliefs and convictions are so strong, of course this is going to transcend somewhat to my goals as a councilor and mayor.  In my campaign, I certainly emphasized my belief and platform to be conservative with the city's budget.  Have we forgotten what "conservative" means?  Long before it was so closely tied to one's political views, it simply meant this:

"....cautiously moderate or purposefully low...."

If stating that I want to be "conservative" with city dollars makes some assume something about my political views, then so be it.  This is precisely why I have also emphasized keeping the lines of communication open.  On my campaign, I spoke one on one with citizens about their concerns and my goals.  I would hope that citizens would continue to call me or come before the council if they felt the city's best interests were not being considered.

Furthermore, the paper printed some pictures from my election night party.  Yes, this was MY election night party.  It was not the "Canby Republican Party", as Savage stated with the photos.  People from all parties were in attendance.  I don't believe the word "Republican" was on any literature for my party, nor was it discussed at the party.  It was a celebration of the campaign and the efforts of my supporters.  As the evening went on, it took the shape of a victory party.  She also misidentified the attendees that were pictured.  I also find it slightly odd that the only article I can seem to find on the Herald's online site is the editorial telling us how to run things as a council.  Where's the election coverage?  Where's the picture of myself and Carson?  Where's the "news"?

Let's focus on the positive.  It's a win!  I look forward to serving Canby.


Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Election Day 2012

Wow, what a wild ride it's been!  This campaign has been nothing short of amazing.  I pursued a position that I am passionate about and committed to.  I have had the undying support of family, friends, and volunteers.  I have met hundreds of citizens.  I have participated in many events over the past 3 months that have been fun and energizing.  All in all, I am happy with the flow, pace, and the way I have carried myself in this campaign.  I have remained steadfast, honest, and "all in". 

And I am still out there today.  You may see me on a street corner in Canby, waving my sign and American flag, getting the vote out.  I'll be out both for breakfast in town, as well as attending the Chamber of Commerce luncheon.  If you'd still like to talk to me, please do!  Please email me, message me on my Facebook page, or arrange to see me.  I am happy to answer any last minute questions you may have.

Tonight I'll be celebrating (win or lose) with my volunteers and close friends.  I'm looking forward to chatting and reflecting on the campaign with them and telling all my supporters and volunteers that they have done an incredible job!  Stay tuned to my Facebook and Twitter pages for up-to-the-minute elections updates, results, and photos.

Thank you for following me on this journey, reading this blog, and showing an interest in your community and the election process in general.  God bless.

                


Saturday, November 3, 2012

3 Days

Here we are, 3 days until election day.  I continue to have full days of campaigning, which has been fun and rewarding. 

On Wednesday, I participated in the Halloween kiddie parade in downtown Canby with my children.  We trick or treated at local businesses afterwards.  What a great community event, bringing our families together. 

Yesterday was busy as well.  I was at a groundbreaking for a new business in Canby (Dragonberry Produce) in the morning, then had a Rotary lunch.  In the afternoon, I did my first official "street corner campaigning".  I was with volunteers on 99E, waving to commuters and saying "hi".  One pedestrian was even walking to drop off his ballot and stopped to confirm he had voted for me.  That was great!  Then it was off to First Friday downtown, participating in the Cash Mob at Wallflowers and visiting other businesses.  Thanks for the delicious bacon, Mike!

The weekend holds soccer games, more street corner campaigning, and more door-to-door introductions to citizens I don't know. 

I am proud of the campaign I have run.  Above all else, I have been out there talking with citizens and finding out what is important to them in our town.  As mayor, I truly want to be your voice. 

Thank you for your support.  Turn in your ballots by Tuesday at 8pm!  God Bless!
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