Spokane7
39°
August 22, 2010 in Opinion
Election lost; wisdom won
At the end of the day, I lost – and I lost BIG …
So what are the lessons learned?
I learned that sometimes it just doesn’t matter how hard you work.
I knocked on 5,920 doors in 64 of the 65 precincts in the 3rd Legislative District and got the least votes.
I learned that we have become increasingly partisan. The first question asked was not, “What do you stand for?” but “Are you a Democrat or Republican?” And this came from both sides of the aisle.
And I am becoming increasingly nervous that we are no longer a citizenry of issues, but rather sound bites and party loyalty.
I learned that there are many wonderful people in the 3rd, folks who invited me into their homes and offered me something cold to drink on those hot days.
I learned that the citizens of the 3rd District are passionate about education and want better outcomes for our kids.
I learned that small businesses are barely hanging on, and if we don’t change our tax system, some won’t be around.
I learned that I am done with party politics.
Some may say I am a sore loser. I say it is dirty business in which I no longer wish to participate.
I learned that we really don’t value social workers as competent beyond our role of do-gooders. I can think of no other work more complicated than salvaging lives and finding resources for those in need. Yet we are viewed as unable to negotiate the “complicated” tasks of a legislator.
I learned that some thought it was about me. “Now your name is out there.” And that’s what made me the saddest. Because it was never about me, but about making life better for my fellow citizens in the 3rd, the people I serve every day, and will continue to serve. I had hoped to represent them at a different level. But it was not in the plan.
I learned about wonderful supporters who believed in me and my view of changing the world. And I thank all those who supported me and voted for me from the bottom of my heart. It was a great ride.
Finally, I learned once again that money matters. Candidates run to serve, not to dial for dollars. The cost of campaigns is becoming obscene and I fear that soon elections will be priced beyond ordinary citizens’ resources to run. Do we really want our elections bought and paid for by those who have? The money that has been raised in the 6th District Senate race ($479,000 to date for a position that pays $42,000 a year) would fund the operations of Our Place Community Ministries for more than two years.
So, when we talk about not having money, we need to reframe that statement. We have money for what matters to us. The same money proposed for the new jail could pay tuition for 76,000 students to attend Spokane Community Colleges for a year. But I digress.
Politics is like a game of Monopoly. At the end of the day, whoever has the most money wins. And I am sure that come November, this will “play” out in the election results. So, I am getting out of the game. I never did like Monopoly.
Louise Chadez, a Democratic candidate for the Washington state House of Representatives in the 3rd District, was defeated in Tuesday’s primary election. She is a licensed social worker who works as a mental health counselor at Spokane Addictions Recovery Center.
A hypocrite by necessity 
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ShannonSullivan on August 22 at 5:51 a.m.
Louise, I could not agree with you more, it is a dirty business that is about money, and not the people.
I have been asked to run many times for different things, and always declined. While I do have a great desire in my heart to serve the people of this fine community, the political BS (there really is no better word for it) turns me off.
I thank you for giving it your best effort, with the citizens in mind. Good luck in all your adventures!
Happy Happenings!
Shannon Sullivan
ChefGus/ John Olsen on August 22 at 10:50 a.m.
Louise…. bless you for your efforts and for your calling…. It would feel bad to work as hard as you did and not get more votes…. sadly the money does talk… Part of the difficulty was the simple fact that we had two very good people running for the same spot…. I never cease to be amazed how the people in the district that is the poorest in the state vote Republican against their own very best interests…. just boggles my mind. I do hope that Mr Billig does involve you and utilize your experience and gifts to further the causes of Peace and Justice in our district…. best high regards John Olsen
Dazzeetrader11 on August 22 at 1:09 p.m.
Gus…West Central is a Republican voting neighborhood?
or do you mean Hillyard who generally votes Democrat…and doesn’t HIllyard have the lowest per capita income?
When I’m in town, I usually gravitate toward West Central and sometimes take in a Community meeting. Louise…I’ve seen you speak there. Sometimes losing isn’t losing at all. You’re to be congratulated fro making such a valiant effort. I honestly don’t know what Mr Billig stands for. HE had lots of financial support and is photogenic. Not sure what else there is to vote for.
No matter Louise, I think you did a very creditable job. I suspected you would as I saw you on a cold March morning prior to the St Patrick’s parade. I met you and your husband . I was impressed. Best wishes to you.
D
ChefGus/ John Olsen on August 22 at 2:04 p.m.
Daisy… I have doorbelled at one time or another for various candidates from 27th ave on the South Hill from the Bluff to the West all the way to the Perry District…Across the River and up to Foothills and all the way across to Downriver and up to Francis from the Northwest Blvd area… and it seems/feels to me in talking and looking at the election statistics that a fair number of folks Vote Republican …. Hillyard is where I grew up….and there are lots of folks that Like Sarah Palin and the Tea Party there too…. Mr Apple who’s business was in Hillyard is not even ready to back the Democratic Candidate.
I have had conversations with both Mr Billig and Ms Chadez… and they are very much on the same page with regards helping our “community of other”…. Mr White is a nice man, but not up to speed on the issues that really face us… and running on a No New Taxes ( ie cuttiing services for the poor folks).. to balance the budget is an anathema to many of us that volunteer in the areas of Spokane that need it. John
lchadez on August 25 at 7:05 p.m.
HEY ALL, Thanks for the encouraging words…. Running was a great experience… and doorbellling was really a wonderful way to meet neighbors and learn their concerns… I firmly believe that you can lose the battle and win the war.. as the saying goes, although I hate war analogies… give me monolply anyday. … and I hope we can win some better options for the residents of the 3rd district….
So maybe we can all develop a better way to serve our district than politics. I will be thinking of what I can do. louise