A New Chapter For $5

I’m embarking upon a new chapter in my life, right now, instead of in 2020. Some time ago (2017), I said I was going to run for President in 2020 because I know I could do a better job than the person in the White House right now. Well, reality sunk in when I realized it would cost far more money than I had a network to raise–roughly $67 million.

Last summer I campaigned for our Governor and a number of other candidates who won their election. In January of 2019, I decided to run for a City Council seat in my family town. A number of people thought it was a great idea and pledged to support my run. Many have followed through and have been very supportive and I hope, all will help me cross the finish line in November.

Until then, political campaigns cost money and again, I face the reality that one of the reasons many politicians win elections is because they either have money or access to money. I’m a retired educator with limited resources, but a big heart and strong passion for helping people. I’ve been in public service for most of my life–volunteering or working for non-profits. I know what it means to serve the public.

Now, I stand in need of financial support and most of the people I will be representing are just as strapped for cash as I am, so I’m running a campaign with a request for $5. If enough people contribute $5 (or more), I’ll reach my goal of $5000 which will pay for campaign literature and yard signs. I’m not too proud to beg, hence, I’m writing this blog to capture the hearts of those who understand my quest. I’m not seeking fame or fortune, but an opportunity to help a number of people by being a voice for them on our City Council. Will you help with a $5 donation? I don’t want to have any debt hanging over me when this election is over so I need to make sure I can pay for everything as I need it.

Thanks for considering my political run and donating $5, even if you don’t live in my little family town. Every dollar raised will be used to win this election so the people can be heard–through me. Everyone who has given, has received a hand-written note of thanks from me. Anyone who is a US Citizen can contribute no matter where they live.

Thanks again for the $5!

https://secure.actblue.com/donate/committee-2-elect-mary-hall-rayford-1

Let’s Get Started!

We’ve moved into the new year and I hope many of you have aspired to do great things for the greater good of all people. It’s time to get started!

We cannot hold onto all the things that didn’t work in 2018, but we must use the power of reflection and analysis to make sure we can plan better for 2019 and beyond. The problem with most of us–is human nature–the lack of ability to see or think beyond the moment and therefore, our plans often don’t succeed because we must always look beyond where we are and where we want to go, but where we can see ourselves at least two years beyond the moment. If we have to make adjustments to get there, we make the adjustments by having a contingency plan, included in our plan of action.

Okay, 2018 mid terms are over. Local elections are coming up in probably most states in 2019 and we must get ready now and in the process, determine how what we do with our local elections in 2019 can shape what can happen in 2020–the next presidential election. I’m super glad that Democrats won big in a number of states that changed the “faces” literally in The House and since most of the Senate seats are up next, we can do the same thing there–if we plan and start working towards the goal–right now.

Local elections are important because many of those persons who win, move onto the state and national election venues. We must know who it is we elect to any position of governance at the basic level. We need to know who our school board members are–their character and nature, the county commissioners, the city council members (whatever they are know as–assemblies, etc.). Before we work to elect them to State offices, what have they done on the local level that warrants our trust at another level? Are watching what they do? Do they have the interests of all people at the heart of their votes or is it just about personal agendas and they don’t care about the people? We must think about these things before committing our time and finances to anyone. We, the people who elect those who are supposed to represent us–must pay attention to everyone running for office. Electing people who have been in public service is a must–no matter what level that public service has been–it proves they have a heart for people.

Primaries are important! We must educate, inform everyone where we live on the importance of the primary elections in every state. Who ends up on the ballot for all general elections is decided by who wins the primaries. We must get people out to vote in all primaries at all times. If we don’t–we may not end up with the best choices for the general elections.

Character matters–we cannot afford to promote or elect people of questionable character and that has nothing to do with their sexual orientation, gender or religious beliefs. Are they trustworthy? Are they corrupt? Would we trust them with our children–our most precious resources? These and other questions like these are the types of questions we must be willing to ask. If we can’t get coherent responses or only get apathetic ones, we need to look for other candidates who can enthusiastically embrace and demonstrate our core beliefs–caring for humanity and in protecting our democracy.

With all of that being said, I’d like to encourage all who can–to help promote Democratic parties across the nation. I know many cannot afford to contribute financially to all (I can’t), but if everyone with a social media presence, promotes Democratic Candidates across the nation, no matter where they are, we can help make a difference. Right now, I’m thinking specifically about Kentucky, South Carolina, West Virginia and Tennessee. We can locate Democratic parties through Facebook in every state and encourage them by our support in helping them to find candidates who can win against every Republican who has stood in lock-step with trump–voting against the interests of the people.

If we get started now–we can help make a positive difference in every state across the nation, but we must get started now. Are you with me? Let’s get started! And make sure our promotion and support is about the issues–not trump. No matter what we say about trump, his supporters won’t be dissuaded so we must concentrate on the 68% of the population who will work to get the job done. Remember–Democrats have already demonstrated, we care about all the people and we must ensure that all the people have access to healthcare, veterans are taken care of, working citizens have livable wages, and a quality education is available for all. If you tend to forget, keep this blog handy and refer to it often–Democrats Care About All The People!