The 33 candidates for City Council who will be on the April 7 ballot could learn something from the old colonel. Jones recently celebrated his 85th birthday and may be the most admired ex-politician in the city, something of an accomplishment, considering that a politician who makes tough decisions is always making enemies. I was thinking of Jones as the Editorial Board this week continued interviewing City Council candidates. Running for a government post such as council must be a grueling task.
Candidates put their egos on the line when they put their name on the ballot.
They are asking voters to make a judgment on them and their candidacy. Every candidate, whether novice or veteran, goes, or ought to go, with humility before the voters. The smart money was on Jones, but he was soundly defeated. That's the first lesson for a candidate, Jones said. In an election somebody is going to lose and getting beat is the most depressing experience in your life.