Way back when I was an impressionable lad at Southwest High School in St. Louis, my government teacher, Mr. Tepe, invited a speaker to talk with our class about life in politics. It was John Danforth, a young lawyer and Episcopal priest running for Missouri Attorney General. He spoke to the class about the virtues of serving in public office, stressing that it ought to never be about one’s ego or the pursuit of power, but rather serving the people. It was a lofty calling. I never forgot it, and credit Mr. Danforth, who went on to serve as a U.S. Senator from Missouri, as among those who influenced me on a path to study politics and eventually serve in public office.
The most idealistic among us would agree that running for office is a noble undertaking. Sure, it might not be for everyone, but if you think you can be a voice for your community and add to public discourse, go for it.
On the flipside, the more cynical might ask “Why would you want to do that? Don’t you know the system is corrupt and rigged? Whatever you think you might contribute will be crushed by a machine over which you’ll have little if any control.”
It’s hard to bring perspective to the decision to pursue public service unless you speak with someone who is or has been in those shoes. If you find somebody to confide in, be it someone you admire and agree with on most issues, a discussion can be helpful before you take the leap.
If you do decide to run for a municipal or school board seat, you will have to “clear the decks” in your schedule from the start of the New Year until the April election. State races can run from February to November and include a primary in August. If you have a full-time job, this will mean working harder on evenings and weekends. One former state representative accurately equated running to win with “running as if your life depended on it.” Complete dedication and a good campaign strategy focused on contacting voters is what gets you across the finish line first. For a local race, expect to spend $2,000-$4,000 or more and to knock on endless doors to meet the voters who will hopefully be your future constituents. It’s hard work, but essential to winning a contested race.
Before you file for office, register a candidate committee, choose a campaign treasurer, or start printing hundreds of yard signs and campaign cards, take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself some important questions.
Why am I doing this? Serving in office should not be a vanity endeavor simply to see your name in public, but stem from understanding the issues and where you would fall on those issues. And please, don’t run for office to “get back at” someone because you feel maligned. Poor street repair, subpar public services, declining student performance and other matters might stoke your interest, but don’t make it personal. It’s not about you.
Can you handle disagreement? As you’ll quickly learn going door-to-door, there is never one side to an issue, no matter how simple or straightforward it may seem. Remember, you may not agree with the views of some voters, but it is nevertheless necessary that you listen openly to them.
Are you comfortable with public speaking? Good basic communication skills are a must: make eye contact, stay on point and, importantly, learn how to read reactions in a room.
Will you follow your conscience and base decisions, including how you vote, on facts, data and, above all else, what’s in your constituents’ best interests rather than those of special interest groups pushing you to go their way? This includes not caving to how a majority of a lawmaking body votes. Sometimes doing the right thing takes courage. Don’t just be a “bobblehead.”
Are you ready to ask hard questions of municipal and school administrators that hold them to the charter or policies that govern them? This includes the way public money is raised and spent. This money is not theirs, nor yours, but belongs to the taxpayers to make public services possible. Remember, you are a steward who ought to strive to do the very best you can with the funds available. Push for accountability and transparency. Believe me, your constituents will expect fiduciary responsibility from you before ever daring to ask them for more money. Don’t forget you’re serving at their behest, so always respond to their questions and concerns. They’ll remember you did – or didn’t.
Finally, beware that what people will do to save face or advance their agenda might amaze you. This includes being duplicitous and outright lying. Don’t fall for nor resort to this.
Tempered with a heaping spoonful of realism, public service — like John Danforth once said — is a noble pursuit.
Editor’s note: Mike Tsichlis served as one of Crestwood’s Ward 4 Alderman from April 2013 until May 2015 when he resigned due to moving out of the municipality. He served one term as board president. Tsichlis then served on the Lindbergh Schools Board of Education from 2016-2022, not seeking an additional term due to running for state representative of the 96th district. He lost to Brad Christ in the August 2022 Republican primary.
