As many readers know, I have been running for County Legislator here in Onondaga County New York – yesterday was election day, and I lost.
In the immortal words of Yoda, “there is no try, there is only do.”
Despite a lot of support from friends and colleagues, a massive amount of work, a very, very good campaign manager and staff, and a good message, I lost.
The regret I have is not for the hundreds of hours I put in, or the fun forgone when I knocked on doors instead of visiting with family and friends, rowing or riding my bike. The regret is many of you supported our campaign in many ways, and I did not deliver the win. This campaign was never about me, it was about making a difference for the people here, and many of you bought into that and pitched in.
I deeply appreciate your support and encouragement, kind words expertise and advice. I cannot tell you how much that meant and means to me, and I am profoundly grateful.
For now, the Paduda family is headed to Sedona Arizona for a week of family time, mountain biking, hiking, too much good wine and lots of reading the stuff that’s been piling up on the nightstand for the last nine months.
Looking forward to seeing you in Las Vegas – and thanks.
Joe…you are a winner in my book.
Thanks Susan – much appreciated!
I’m sorry to hear that, Joe. I find that I agree with you on many points and I saw your message and thought it was a good one. It is their loss for sure:) Have a great vacation and enjoy your life!!
thanks Jessica – much appreciated!
A darn good showing in my books and one you should be proud of. A 750 vote spread can be overcome next time.
Enjoy spectacular Sedona and a well earned rest!
Thanks much Stephen. We will!
Joe, sorry to hear this. Thank you for stepping up as there is nothing easy about running for a position like this. It looks like it was a close race. Enjoy time with your family! Looking forward to seeing you in Vegas.
Thanks Joe. I certainly learned a lot.
I congratulate you for having the guts to stand up and try. Public involvement is the key to vibrant democracy and change takes time. I hope you consider another run in the future, but I know that there is a cost.
rock on.
Steve-really appreciate it. A little too early to begin thinking about next time but you never know.
Sorry to hear, Joe – enjoy the well-deserved break!
Thank you Mary. Can’t wait to get away
Way to go, Joe. You ran a top-notch campaign. If you didn’t already, you now have an understanding of how difficult it is to run for office. You probably already know this quote by Teddy Roosevelt, but, if not, it speaks to your valiant run.
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
Andrew thanks much for the comment. I’ve certainly got enough experience getting bloodied in the rings.!
I was also going to post this quote from TR.
You beat me to it!
thanks Ann – much appreciate the thought!
Sorry for your loss Joe, but nothing ventured nothing gained!
Thanks much Bryan.
Joe, you do a great service for your readers and our industry. No loss can take that away from you.
Thanks Bruce. Now i can get back to work!
You deserve plaudits just for joining the fray,Joe, and for a creditable result. Remember that Bill Clinton didn’t make it on his first attempt either.
Thanks much Jake. Really appreciate it.
I would have voted for you if I lived there. It’s probably voter fraud, anyway. And fake news. You better ask for a recount! I’m sorry Joe, but way to put yourself out there!
Thanks much Kristie… I’ll send you a voter registration form!
Joe – I’m sorry you didn’t prevail, and congratulate you on running a good campaign. It takes a ton of guts and courage to offer yourself to provide public service, and despite not winning, you have done something very few of us are willing to do. Hold your head high, hold your family close and come back knowing you brought honest discussion of the issues others could not. Thank you for running and dedicating your time and efforts to improve our world.
Thanks much Peter. Really appreciate the support and hope to see you in Vegas.
Joe, Andrew beat me to the Teddy Roosevelt “Man in the Arena” quote, but it is that quote that has driven me for most of my life. No reason for regret. Those who never try are those who will regret. Great work and congratulations on a great effort.
Brian – good advice from a former elected official – no regrets at all.
Joe,
Hell of an effort. You made a difference. Don’t let the result stop you from continuing to make a difference. Don’t take it personally, but personally make sure your candidacy continues to shine a light on the problems you identified. Don’t give up.
Thanks Stuart – not to worry, I’m too vocal to ever stay silent – much appreciate the support!
I like that Yoda quote “there is no try, there is only do” I might put that on my office wall. Keep fighting the good fight, which includes taking some knocks to the head. When that happens another wise man, Rocky’s trainer Mickey says “get up you son of a bit**”…, but maybe after a little wine.
Nice work to go after it. Enjoy the trip!
Thanks much Michael – took a solid one yesterday, but too stubborn to stay on the mat!
Joe – Your town lost out on a really good, practical, common sense kind of guy. Not a lot of those in politics today. You have a lot to be proud of! Enjoy a well deserved rest and we look forward to having you back soon.
Diane – really appreciate your kind words – look forward to seeing you soon!
Joe,
Our political world needs more like you…knowledgeable, passionate, caring and having strong integrity.
I’m sorry this did not work out. Their loss!
Enjoy your family vacation.
Bill
Thanks Bill. Much appreciated.
Joe, I’m sorry you lost. We need candidates like you. I hope you can shake off the loss and try again!
Thank you Helen!