Did You Run for Public Office? Thank You

Mercifully, one of the most vile and acrimonious campaign seasons in my lifetime just ended. Across the nation, friendships were severed, trust questioned, and faith in our representative form of government eroded. Unfortunately, after such unfathomable hostility, the easiest and most visceral response to the results is either to gloat and cast stones at the opposition or criticize and cast stones at the opposition--depending upon which candidate you support.

It will take time to repair the damage this election cycle inflicted on civility, constructive discourse, and a general faith in humanity. More importantly, it will take collective reflection and then concerted, proactive efforts of the vast majority of citizens to prevent 2016 from becoming the new normal in American politics. We must show our children that we can disagree on policy, but remain civil. We must show our neighbors that we can question a person's qualifications for office without demeaning that person or their supporters. We owe it to the future of our country to praise those that are willing to serve, rather than treat them as pariahs. For these reasons I wish to say, thank you.

Thank you to each and every person who ran for elected office. Without you, our society could not function. Without you, the representative government that our founding fathers envisioned could give way to totalitarian rule. You willingly committed to public service, knowing that decision would invite judgment and ridicule on your personal and professional life. Thank you.

To those of you who were elected, congratulations. At all levels of government, from local to national, our system bestows upon you an awesome responsibility. You are expected to serve as a conduit between the people and the government. You will be asked to make decisions that will impact people's lives--sometimes negatively. You will makes mistakes. You will upset people. To this I say, remain principled, grounded, and compassionate.

Do not try to please everyone, but work diligently to make the best decision with the available information. Be prepared to explain and accept the consequences of that decision. Seek input from others. Ask questions. Listen to, and consider, contrarian opinions. Surround yourself with people who will challenge you, rather than those who merely agree with you. Work hard. Do not tell people you are humble or humbled--simply act with humility. Most importantly, remember who you serve. Do these things and you will succeed in a way we all want you to succeed. For your service, I thank you.

To those of you who were not elected, remain positive. Treat this as an opportunity gained, not an opportunity lost. You have an opportunity to better understand your weaknesses, and mitigate them in the future. You have an opportunity to become a better person and a better leader. Accepted the right way, losing will make you a better citizen, and instill humility, understanding, kindness, diligence, compassion, hard work, tolerance, and respect.

Do not foreclose running for office in the future. Understand that you did not fail because you lost, unless you fail to learn from your mistakes. A final piece of advice: Do not burn bridges--build them. Remember that you will not be defined by this loss, but you may be defined by how you respond to the loss. Most importantly, thank you.

To those of you dissuaded from running for office as a result of the recent election cycle--please reconsider. We need you now more than ever. We need inspired leaders from all walks of life that will not buckle to fear or intimidation, but who will rise up against it to continue the pursuit of a more perfect union. Our citizens, schools, communities, counties, states, and country thank you in advance.