As a graduate student teaching American government at Saint Louis University 34 years ago, I went looking for a speaker to offer some first-hand perspective on the subject. I was put in touch with the campaign director for then Senator Christopher “Kit” Bond, who was running for his second term as a U.S. senator from Missouri. When Bond agreed to come by, I was thrilled. He had been the youngest Missouri governor ever elected in the 1970s before he moved on to the Senate, and his political experience was vast.

When he stepped up to the podium to speak, Bond pointed out to the class that what they were learning from textbooks and lectures was OK, but it didn’t beat being involved politically. His point was simply that in a democracy, studying politics could not replace being involved in politics, particularly by engaging with people.      

After class, Bond asked if I wanted to join him for an afternoon of campaigning. I took him up on it. We drove out to Sullivan, where we pulled over on a short gravel road. He grabbed a handful of brochures before walking up to a small frame home. As we approached the porch, he stopped for a moment, looked back at me, and said with a wry grin: “All that stuff you talk about in class is fine, professor, but THIS is politics.” Bond knocked on the door, which was opened by a young mother in a sundress holding a baby. I never forgot what he said, and it’s something I recalled each time I approached a voter’s door years later when I ran for public office.

Now that we’re in the middle of this year’s municipal election season, what will you do when that politician comes knocking on the door seeking to represent you in city hall or on a school board? You may be tempted not to answer if your Ring camera shows someone standing patiently with a handful of brochures. But unless you’re on a deadline, I would encourage you to spend a few minutes listening and asking questions. Most candidates will respect your time and keep it short, as they have a lot of doors to hit.

Expect a smile, a short greeting, and a prepared introductory statement such as “Hi, I’m (name), and I’m running for (office name) and hope I can count on your support on election day.” Beyond this, they might mention a bit about their background, including something about their job, family and prior public service or community involvement. These comments serve to break the ice and jump-start a conversation. So what might you ask someone looking to represent you? Here are several questions to consider:

“What motivated you to run?” This is about purpose, and it can be revealing. If you find them fishing around for a reason, that ought to give you pause. Expressing why they threw their hat in might reveal something about their sincerity and dedication.

“Since you’re here, I have a concern about ….” If you have specific issues related to the office they’re seeking, now is the time to bring it up.  Look for either a straight-up answer, which is preferred and shows that they’re knowledgeable and prepared, or a possible “I’m not familiar with that, but will look into it.” At least the matter gets on their radar.

“How would you describe your leadership style?” This will clue you in on how confrontational, independent, collaborative or compliant they would be when it comes to holding public administrators (i.e., city managers, school superintendents) accountable.

Finally, “If I have any further questions, how will I get in touch with you?” Some may balk at giving you their personal phone number, but at least get an email address. Many candidates are hesitant to do this because they fear the stress of disagreement or being “pestered” by voters. But it is the price of elected office to be available for constituent questions and needs, and it will be the obligation of candidates after being elected to do their best to address them, even if it means facing uncomfortable issues. That’s the cost of political involvement.

Twenty-five years after speaking to my class and following him on an afternoon of campaigning, I saw Kit Bond sitting on a bench at an event in the lobby of the Missouri State Capitol in Jefferson City.  I walked up to greet him and thanked him for that favor, although he didn’t seem to remember. As I walked away and looked back at him one last time, he called out to a group of young, college-aged people, telling them all to “Get involved! Get involved!” He passed away last May. RIP, Senator Bond.