I watch the ripples change their size
But never leave the stream
Of warm impermanence
And so the days float through my eyes
But still the days seem the same
And these children that you spit on
As they try to change their worlds
Are immune to your consultations
They're quite aware of what they're goin' through

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

The morning exercise



I was number 19 at my polling station. Although I was the 18th vote counted, and nobody else was left at the polling stations. I have a feeling the Ohio turn out will be big considering on the last off year election I didn't make it to the polls until 6:30pm and I was number 17.

A slightly bittersweet ballot as this is the first time in 9 years that my name wasn't on this ballot cycle. For those new readers, I've been a Village Councilman for all that time. My term is about to expire and that would normally put me in the position of getting my name on the ballot (typically I would need to gather 25 signatures on my petition for the elections board, not exactly a high hurdle to cross). But this year only one seat is open. We're changing our form of government to include a Village Manager/Administrator, eliminating the position of Mayor, the Board of Public Affairs (our Water and Sewer Board, that's 3 seats), and two council positions (going from 7 to 5). Because of the timing of the new Charter this election we go from 3 seats to 1. I wasn't the highest vote getter, and on my cycle was the person who always received the highest vote totals of any councilman. He was running again. So I took the opportunity to get out.

Today was the first time that decision felt a little strange.

But I want my life back. I want my brain back. And I really don't want to have to care about a lot of people's insecurities and paranoias. I also am tired of the struggle against people who don't think the law should apply to them. So as of January 1, I'll be free. Like I said, it's bittersweet at the moment. I accomplished most of what I set out to do. And I feel I've given good service to the people of the Village. And frankly, my only real motivation to run again was the $400 a month, which isn't enough and isn't a good enough reason to give another 4 years of my life. I've done my bit for King and Country. In fact, I've done it twice.

3 comments:

Phiala said...

Oddly, I was also the 19th ballot and the 18th voter. I wonder where the other one went.

Steve Buchheit said...

Sarah, I think it's because of provisional balloting.

Alia parker said...

nice