Hello World!

This is my first attempt to write a personal blog. Other blogs I've written were attempts at news reporting on Richmond [Virginia] City Council and last year when I ran for Virginia State Senate I did a little campaign blogging. I didn't do it as much as I would have liked, and there was more I would have liked to have said about the campaign. Blogging is writing and it is time consuming. In a world where I already don't have enough time to do all the things I'd like to do, it is hard to make time to write about myself. After all, who cares? I don't really care but I hope that this may be of some use to other citizens.

2008 will be an interesting year. We have a US presidential election well under way, as well as local City Council and mayoral elections. I have been running for office nearly annually since 2002. I've mounted 3 write-in campaigns and I've been on the ballot twice, once for State Senate in 2007 and for City Council in 2006 (5th District, currently represented by E. Martin "Marty" Jewel). In both elections I was the only challenger. In 2006, I won 14% of the vote (903 votes) and in 2007 I won 18% of the vote with 3789 votes.

This year, I plan to run for mayor of Richmond. I also plan to run for US President as a write-in candidate. Those are two reasons for this blog. I thought it would be an entertaining and educational experiment in democracy. I'm also going to attempt to start a labor union at my work place, the Library of Virginia. I will chronicle the successes, failures, and lessons learned.

It's my hope that I will be able to share my experiences with others and encourage YOU to become active in politics or your community. Our society encourages the excesses of consumerism and selfish satisfaction. I want to be a part of a democratic society where every human life is valued. One for all and all for one. I hope to be of service to you.