Frustrated by short-sighted decisions by our local school district, my friend Julie and I decided to run for the School Board last May. As education policy experts, we regularly spoke during the public comment section of school board meetings about the right ways to do things, but the school board members ignored us. Fueled by great optimism and enthusiasm, we decided that we should be the ones making decisions. Ideas would win the day! 

For months, we spent 14 hours a day, 7 days a week fighting for a full-time volunteer job. Insane, right? With seven people vying for two spots, it wasn’t an easy fight, but we were buoyed by endless confidence in the wisdom of voters. 

It’s okay to mock me now. I have finally stopping crying, after my defeat on Tuesday.

In 1972, Hunter S. Thompson, fueled by amphetamines rather than endless optimism, followed the presidential candidates around in the country in the press bus and reported on the stupidity of American campaigns. Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail is still a classic in American nonfiction. I don’t think my little local election is book material, but I’ll share a few thoughts in this newsletter today.

Read more at Apt. 11D, the newsletter