Day 280: Trolling for Votes

Today was a gorgeous sunshine day in Southern California! A day to be outside that's for sure. I spent the day walking precincts for my friend Marisa Perez who is a candidate for Lakewood City Council. Nothing like getting out and meeting voters face-to-face!

If you have never stomped for votes, I recommend you give it a try. It can be very empowering and invigorating. It also can be very frustrating to see how few people really care about who their elected leaders are... yet they are probably the loudest complainers!

Walking door-to-door today brought up a lot of emotions for me about my own campaign and the experiences I encountered when knocking on my neighbor's doors. Residents in the 5th district in Los Angeles, where I ran for city council, were far more rude and hostile then in the small town of Lakewood. It's also different when you are not the candidate. It's not as personal. It's hard to stand at someones door and have them size you up, make rude comments, slam the door, or yell at you ... yet it is the most effective tool when campaigning for a municipal race.

The personal connection leaves an indelible mark on voters. They are impressed that you have come to their door, taken your time to share a candidate with them.

If you really want to help a candidate win, their are two invaluable tasks you can perform to ensure victory ... make a contribution & walk on their behalf! To learn more about my friend Marisa, visit www.marisaforlakewoodcouncil.com

Day 266: Campaign Kick-Off Day

Talk about bringing back memories! Today was my friend Marisa Perez's campaign kick-off for her race for Lakewood City Council. I've posted about Marisa several times before, and I hope you will consider supporting her candidacy http://www.marisaforlakewoodcouncil.com/

While I don't have the desire to run for public office again, my passion continues with supporting other qualified and talented women to run and win. Today we assembled at a beautiful park in the Lakewood community where Marisa was surrounded by family and friends. The park was full of parents and children and it just felt like a perfect match for Marisa, a young mom herself with three darling children.

From there off we went to greet voters at their homes to introduce them to Marisa and tell them why they should vote for her on March 8th. Oh my gosh, it brought back so many memories. The hours, and hours, and hours and days and days and days I walked my district. It's exhausting, painful, emotional, inspiring, gratifying and overwhelming. However, it is the old fashion way to campaign, and is the proven and most affective way to reach voters with your message. But is takes a very confidant and assured person to knock on countless doors and talk politics.

I walked with a former Chamber colleague Catherine Gaughen who is President of the Cerritos Chamber (a neighboring community) and we had a great time. Mostly because we adore the subject we were campaigning for.... Marisa is fresh, smart, and wants to preserve the quality life in Lakewood to raise her family.

I am hosting an event for Marisa at my home on January 27th and invite you to attend to meet my candidate and support our efforts to get her elected. It was a great way to spend Saturday, stomping for a cool woman, and doing what I have passion for.

Day 260: Campaign Strategy Dinner

Great way to kick-off the New Year by attending a "kitchen cabinet" meeting for Marisa Perez' campaign for Lakewood City Council. Marisa is a dear friend, a former colleague of mine from the LA Area Chamber of Commerce, a mom to three young children, and a rock star candidate. The Election is March 8th.

Tonight we met with her political consultant and other political operatives from the Long Beach & Lakewood communities to map out the campaign strategy. I was honored to be included and working with Marisa on her communication plan. Please visit http://www.marisaforlakewoodcouncil.com/ to learn more about Marisa's accomplishments and goals for her community.

And save Thursday, January 27th for an event at my house to meet Marisa and support her candidacy. Being active and engaged in a campaign was a great way to kick start the New Year today!