To my fellow patriots, countrymen, countrywomen, and friends who have ever considered running for office: I hope my experiences and insights will inspire you to step up and run. As someone deeply involved in the political arena, I feel it is my duty to encourage and motivate others.
There are two essential qualities in a person that make them suitable for elected office. The first is their potential to win as a candidate. The second, and more critical, is their dedication to being a good, committed public servant who genuinely works for the benefit of the people. Ideally, a candidate possesses both qualities, but for those who primarily embody the latter, this message is especially for you.
Being a dedicated public servant is the highest quality one can have. The ability to win because you are a candidate who can win can be developed with time and effort. Remember the only way you get smarter or better as a candidate is by playing a smarter or better opponent. It is crucial to have the resolve to keep running, even in the face of defeat. People observe how you handle loss, so never give up and remember the ABCs: Always Be Campaigning.
Consider the analogy of a builder preparing a foundation for a new house. As a candidate, especially a non-incumbent, you face a choice: build a strong foundation on your own or rely on endorsements and financial support from powerful and influential people. The former path, though filled with hardships and difficulties, leads to greater independence and effectiveness once elected. A self-reliant candidate is accountable to the people, not beholden to powerful backers whose influence can complicate governance and accountability.
A candidate who relies on their own efforts and fortune is ultimately more resilient. Politics, like any competitive field, involves an element of fortune. It is a factor beyond our control, relying solely on it is perilous. Candidates supported by powerful endorsements often find themselves entangled with the fortunes of their backers, risking their independence and, at times, their integrity. It is far better to rely on your own efforts and fortune, ensuring that your success and governance are genuinely your own.
In conclusion, I urge those who are serious about making a difference to step forward. Your dedication and resolve are needed now more than ever. The path may be challenging, but the reward is the opportunity to serve and improve our community. Let us build a future where our leaders are truly representative of the people and dedicated to their well-being.
Derek Kukura