Recently, the Republican Party of Kalamazoo County (KGOP) – a group that I’m the Chairman of this year, unveiled a new website. It’s a very exciting thing. Part of the new website is the “Chairman’s Blog”. I wrote my first really official blog earlier today and figured I should post it here too. I mean, if you’re blogging on two different blogs, why do double the work when you can very easily press Ctrl-C; Ctrl-V, right?
So … enjoy!
“IT IS NOT THE CRITIC WHO COUNTS; NOT THE MAN WHO POINTS OUT HOW THE STRONG MAN STUMBLES, OR WHERE THE DOER OF DEEDS COULD HAVE DONE THEM BETTER. THE CREDIT BELONGS TO THE MAN WHO IS ACTUALLY IN THE ARENA, WHOSE FACE IS MARRED BY DUST AND SWEAT AND BLOOD; WHO STRIVES VALIANTLY; WHO ERRS, WHO COMES SHORT AGAIN AND AGAIN, BECAUSE THERE IS NO EFFORT WITHOUT ERROR AND SHORTCOMING; BUT WHO DOES ACTUALLY STRIVE TO DO THE DEEDS; WHO KNOWS GREAT ENTHUSIASMS, THE GREAT DEVOTIONS; WHO SPENDS HIMSELF IN A WORTHY CAUSE; WHO AT THE BEST KNOWS IN THE END THE TRIUMPH OF HIGH ACHIEVEMENT, AND WHO AT THE WORST, IF HE FAILS, AT LEAST FAILS WHILE DARING GREATLY, SO THAT HIS PLACE SHALL NEVER BE WITH THOSE COLD AND TIMID SOULS WHO NEITHER KNOW VICTORY NOR DEFEAT.”
― THEODORE ROOSEVELT
I am very excited to know that you are reading this Chairman’s report on the new KGOP website (www.kalamazoo-republicans.org). Improving our web presence has been long time coming and thanks to the work of KGOP Planning Committee Chairman Bill Beck and his entire team, it’s here! I urge you to take a look around, read the various blogs and information that we’re posting here. It is our hope that this website becomes something that everyone will use to gather information and share stories as we push forward towards a compete sweep in 2014!
Speaking of 2014, there are two pieces of the 2014 puzzle that are very important. Pieces we must have if we are to make a KGOP sweep in Kalamazoo County. Those pieces are: precinct delegate and candidates. Bill has already posted the deadlines for turning in petitions and/or precinct delegate affidavits (Click here to see those). There’s little more I can add to that information.
What I can tell you is that being a candidate for public office, helping a candidate win an election so they can serve, and having the opportunity to share your thoughts/views with your neighbors and with complete strangers is a little bit of the following:
- Honorable
- Courageous
- Nerve Wracking
- Certifiable
- Fun
- Awesome
- Humbling
- Empowering
- Authentic
- Gracious
- Enlightening
- Greatest
I’m sure those who have run before could tell you that I probably left a number of adjectives from this list. Nevertheless, this gives you a little bit of an idea of what you can experience in either role. I am convinced that being on a ballot and having the willingness to put your name out there for others to consider is indeed one of the greatest things you can ever do.
There will be plenty of stories about knocking on doors and leaving literature behind for cats and dogs. There are stories about interesting conversations with people you’ve never met, but if we don’t have people who have the courage to step out there and share the ideals and principles of the Republican Party, then no one would understand why conservative policies truly strengthen our entire community.
Coming out of our Lincoln Day Tribute fundraiser, one that is one of the most successful events that we’ve had, our party is primed to help our candidates more than in previous cycles. Add that to a great crop of precinct delegates that will be trained and connected with the candidates. If you’re thinking of running for office, the time is now!
I’ll leave you with this thought from a fellow who calls himself Bill Cosby, Ed.D:
DECIDE THAT YOU WANT IT MORE THAN YOU ARE AFRAID OF IT.
As Always, I am honored to be your Chairman.
Very Sincerely Yours,
Dave Worthams
2012-14 Chairman
Republican Party of Kalamazoo County
Email: chairman@kalamazoo-republicans.org
DaveWorthams.com 