Politics anyone?

[Ron Scott]

I have a good friend who used to work for me and retired at 46. He’s the restless type. Two encounters with politics have significantly impacted his daily life.

First, he served as president of his condo association for 5 years. Later, he ran for mayor of his town. He is no longer on the condo board and he lost his bid for mayor, but he is a big part of the ongoing political conversation in his condo and town. And he made a lot of really diverse friends that are very active people with a myriad of interests. His social calendar is pretty busy: backyard BBQ one week, museum exhibition opening the next.

I don’t think I have the temperament for it but it certainly seems to work for some FIRE types…

[Just Joe]

If I had the personality and time for it, sounds interesting. Have neither.

[Financial.Velociraptor]

I'm on the local HOA board and was previously elected to the Municipal Utility District board. 

IMO, if you do it get social benefits it just won't work.  You do it to SERVE your community.  A lot of it is worse than thankless. People will actively despise you for trying to do the best you can for them.  All all of these positions are non-partisan so it wasn't my personal slat that set people off, few of them could even tell you whether I was blue or red.  I've learned about a third of all Americans have serious issues with any sort of authority figure in their life. 

I suspect being a First Responder, whether police/fire/ems is much the same.  So, sure.  You could join the local volunteer fire department.  But it would be a really stupid way to make friends and a really keen way to give service.

[GilesMM]

I've been asked to serve on a couple of boards and committees but turned them down as I have no stomach for endless, pointless meetings at this stage.  Corporate life pretty well burned me out on meetings.

[Metalcat]

I'm on the local HOA board and was previously elected to the Municipal Utility District board. 

IMO, if you do it get social benefits it just won't work.  You do it to SERVE your community.  A lot of it is worse than thankless. People will actively despise you for trying to do the best you can for them. All all of these positions are non-partisan so it wasn't my personal slat that set people off, few of them could even tell you whether I was blue or red.  I've learned about a third of all Americans have serious issues with any sort of authority figure in their life. 

I suspect being a First Responder, whether police/fire/ems is much the same.  So, sure.  You could join the local volunteer fire department.  But it would be a really stupid way to make friends and a really keen way to give service.

They will also threaten you, A LOT, and many of them will mean it.

People have been trying to drag me into politics for many years, and I keep saying that I would do it if I was a man, but as a woman??? No fucking way. Never.

Sure, I've been condo board president, I've been president of a few non-profits, but that's not public office, it's nowhere near the same thing.

Still thankless work and hostility and threats though, so that's fun.

[curious_george]

Nope nope nope.

I stay far far away from politics. Even listening to people, either red or blue, rant about politics is just annoying at best.

Of course - I stay far away from conflicts in general though. Just doesn't seem very fun to me.

[Metalcat]

Nope nope nope.

I stay far far away from politics. Even listening to people, either red or blue, rant about politics is just annoying at best.

Of course - I stay far away from conflicts in general though. Just doesn't seem very fun to me.

Politics is much more applicable to people on a local level than a federal level for the most part.

If you have a single opinion about your local roads, garbage service, water, schools, hospitals, etc, you have an opinion about politics.

[Telecaster]

I'm a member of two HOAs.   One of them is run by lunatics, and a scary percentage of the owners are also lunatics.   And the loudest voices (who coincidently are the dumbest voices) seem to prevail.   

The other board is mostly competent, but again there is a scary percentage of deranged owners.   

No way ever would be on the board.   Something about an HOA brings out the worst of humanity. 

[flyingaway]

I would get a job and make money for my time if I have to do that sort of things.

[Metalcat]

I would get a job and make money for my time if I have to do that sort of things.

Lol, that's actually why I decided to retrain and get a new career. I love working and was just filling my time with unpaid work that was less fun and less meaningful to me than what I can get paid for.

[Ron Scott]

LOL you people are like me. Others thrive on it tho.

Different strokes…

[soccerluvof4]

I'm on a community board that was ok at first because there is not really alot of politics involved but after 4 years its old. When we have our quarterly meeting I never want to go but still try to. I want to get off but its hard to get people to replace you and had a pretty big turnover when I joined or volunteered.

[BlueMR2]

I've served on a couple boards and it really wasn't worth the time.  I'm convinced they are just ways for people with too much time on their hands to make themselves feel important.

[MrGreen]

People will actively despise you for trying to do the best you can for them.

I love the idea of serving my community and I'm on an HOA board now but I've seen enough to know the above is true. I've had folks tell me that I should get involved in local politics but I'll just end up trying to help people, they'll be upset about it, and I'll be upset about how people would be upset about their lives getting better. I'm just not built to withstand that level of selfishness.

[former player]

I did eight years on my local council.  It was enough.

I do still stick my oar in on one or two issues, mainly environment and housing.

[LaineyAZ]

Ron,
I do agree about having the temperament to work in politics.  What I'm dismayed about is people who cover their ears and run from even saying the "p" word.  They don't understand it just means a) what kind of society do we want to live in? and b) how do we allocate our tax money to achieve that?

I'm a little haunted by an article I read a few years ago about some new incoming college students.  Of course they were all chipper and excited, but one young woman said "I don't want to hear about politics, I just want to have fun!"
Well, of course, since her statement, Roe v. Wade has been overturned, our outgoing governor left a huge financial mess with the state's payments to private schools, and we've had fake electors who are now under investigation.

Democracy only works when we're paying attention, and I think spending a minimal amount of time reading and voting and following up on what our elected officials are doing is the least we can do.  After that, have all the fun you want!

[YK-Phil]

Local/regional/provincial politics never interested me but when I was working, I was on the board of several non-profit community agencies -mostly dealing with issues around poverty, homelessness, food security, etc. That was quite gratifying, although I didn't really like board meetings and whatnot, and I chose to leave the advocacy part to people who were more vocal and articulate than me. But I really enjoyed the hands-on part of the job and would often work for free when we were short-staffed. I would have kept going if I didn't retire away from Canada. There was of course a political side to that involvement but nothing like left/right partisan politics as we know it in the USA and Canada.

I was also on the board of a federal environmental agency for a decade before I retired three years ago, but I stayed on until the end of my mandate last spring. This is a non-partisan, apolitical board where science and evidence prevail, and any conflict of interest and potential bias must be declared so it fits right in my alley. I didn't think I'd be reappointed but I was asked a few months ago to stick around for another 3-year term to finish off the review of the final closure of a big oil and gas legacy project that I had started before retiring. The workload is not huge, we have fantastic staff who do all the groundwork so it only requires a couple of meetings via Zoom and a few days a month of actual reading. Board pays for my travel to attend in-person meetings twice a year. Our upcoming meeting was to take place this week but it was unfortunately canceled due to the raging wildfires that caused the evacuation of entire villages and towns. The next meeting is in December, the coldest time of the year, but I am seriously over-excited to go back. I love this side gig, it keeps me involved in my old field, and I can mentor and provide guidance to younger environmental scientists. I am also the type of person who gets very easily and quickly bored so this keeps me on my feet. Bonus, the pay is not bad, especially for the amount of work, and I can let my stash grow for a few more years.

[gaja]

There are several layers of political work, and it is not necessary to go for the positions of elected representative. There is also a need for those who write policy proposals and speeches, make arrangements for public meetings, screen candidates for elections (we have a form of ranked choice where every party (approximately 15) nominates 10-50 names for local, regional and national elections), etc. Those roles are less exposed to crazy people, and you can still make a big difference. 

[Chaplin]

There are several layers of political work, and it is not necessary to go for the positions of elected representative. There is also a need for those who write policy proposals and speeches, make arrangements for public meetings, screen candidates for elections (we have a form of ranked choice where every party (approximately 15) nominates 10-50 names for local, regional and national elections), etc. Those roles are less exposed to crazy people, and you can still make a big difference. 

I was just about to post something similar. Door-knocking for candidates, participating in local events and fundraisers, writing or speaking at council meetings, etc. You can have an impact, and test out the waters to see if you would like to get more involved, up to but not necessarily an elected position.

[Metalcat]

There are several layers of political work, and it is not necessary to go for the positions of elected representative. There is also a need for those who write policy proposals and speeches, make arrangements for public meetings, screen candidates for elections (we have a form of ranked choice where every party (approximately 15) nominates 10-50 names for local, regional and national elections), etc. Those roles are less exposed to crazy people, and you can still make a big difference.

This was a point I wanted to come back and make. I have zero interest in running for public office, but I've been involved in politics my entire life and probably always will be.

I don't need to *be* the face of political will in order to participate in it.

[Log]

The lack of interest in politics is ironic considering the heavy environmentalist and urbanist themes to this community. We in the abstract want people to ride their bikes more, but we draw the line at getting involved in the institution that plans bike lanes??

Especially with how much this community leans towards living in smaller towns and suburbs for lower cost of living, the barrier to getting involved is often low. It's way easier for your voice to make a difference in town of 25,000 or a city of 100,000 than in a big city. Many people on this forum with time to spare could make an outsize impact on reducing carbon emissions by getting involved in local politics and encouraging denser, walkable, bike-able development in their communities. And if you don't want to the public infamy, you don't even need to be involved in some public-facing elected office, just something like planning commission or budget committee can make a real difference.

[YttriumNitrate]

After I retire I've thought about trying to get a position on my county's property assessment appeal board. Having done a few appeals, it would be interesting to see it from the other side. Also, it seems like a fairly small time commitment since they only meet a few days a year.

[Trudie]

Since retiring, I have served on three non-profit boards and as a member of my church council. In five months I will finish my board term (a year early) with my last non-profit. I can't wait to be done.

Countless meetings, "visioning" and strategic planning work sessions, writing and reviewing policies, and busywork has burned me out. It feels too much like paid work, and -- at least for me -- doesn't result in feelings of gratification or meaning. Too often it feels like pushing a heavy boulder uphill. So many organizations seem to be floundering. The more I do, the more I get asked to do.

I am still involved, though not on the board, of our HOA. Serving on projects and committees allows me to contribute, but with fewer mind-numbing meetings.

[Chaplin]

The lack of interest in politics is ironic considering the heavy environmentalist and urbanist themes to this community. We in the abstract want people to ride their bikes more, but we draw the line at getting involved in the institution that plans bike lanes??

Especially with how much this community leans towards living in smaller towns and suburbs for lower cost of living, the barrier to getting involved is often low. It's way easier for your voice to make a difference in town of 25,000 or a city of 100,000 than in a big city. Many people on this forum with time to spare could make an outsize impact on reducing carbon emissions by getting involved in local politics and encouraging denser, walkable, bike-able development in their communities. And if you don't want to the public infamy, you don't even need to be involved in some public-facing elected office, just something like planning commission or budget committee can make a real difference.

Absolutely! In my municipality of 120,000 I can call up the mayor and several councilors to arrange to sit down over a coffee or go for a walk any time. Speaking or writing at council meetings is pretty easy. Participating in advisory committees, or input sessions on community plans is also very accessible. Active transportation (walkability and bikeability) and housing are the main things that I've been involved with. As mentioned above there's lots of overlap with the themes of this site. Land use is really the key domain of municipal governments and the thing that has the most impact on climate change that I as a resident can move the needle on. Surprisingly, speaking with councilors in adjacent municipalities is pretty accessible too, and you don't have to be a resident of a particular muni to speak at their council meetings (at least around here).

A dislike of "politics" shouldn't be a barrier to getting involved in shaping local decisions or even regional (province/state). There are certainly many other very real barriers, but politics is surprisingly absent unless you're actually a political candidate.

[Car Jack]

My dad was a 3 term mayor of my small city when I was in school.  Plenty of hassles but the regular duties of a mayor, according to him were easy for anyone not incompetent.  He laughed at cities who had a city manager as he found he could do all of those functions in very little time and had to think that a mayor with a city manager was there to pretend he was king and did no work.

Anyways, no politics for me, thank you very much.  One big advantage, however is the insurance end.  He and my mom were always covered by the city insurance.  In addition, there was a pension attached to his time serving.  He later ran for and served on the Municipal gas and light board. 

I am King grand Pubah of my HOA.  As in...there's no HOA, so I do whatever I feel like doing.  I get a kick out of nearby neighborhoods who don't allow firewood in front of the house anywhere, have a grass length maximum and don't allow stand alone sheds.  In my previous house, there were "protective covenants" in the deeds, set up in the early 60's (pre HOA days) and I remember one was "no sheds".  Yet, the house we were buying was the only one in the entire neighborhood without a shed.  When I sold the house, the new owner built a shed big enough to fit his 60 muscle car in it plus a small workshop.

[Just Joe]

No way I'd be part of an HOA b/c I wouldn't buy property subject to an HOA.

I am Director of Maintenance. Keeps me busy but that's a good thing.

Last night was a spruce up on the garage entrance. Cleaning of the doors, sweeping, etc. A I mowed part of the yard before it became too dark to see where I was going.

I manage one property. Our's. ;)

[wageslave23]

I had a religion professor who was asked to be on the advisory board for a translation of the Bible.  There 12 people on the board. He said he would agree to be on the board under one condition - if 11 board members agreed on one interpretation and he disagreed, then they would use his interpretation. They agreed to that arrangement, so he joined.  That's the only way I would join a committee or board. My time is too valuable to me to deal with less intelligent or knowledgeable people.  If I'm the most competent in a certain area then let me make the decisions after input from others, if someone else is the most competent then let them lead.  I hated group or partner projects in school for the same reason.

[Metalcat]

I had a religion professor who was asked to be on the advisory board for a translation of the Bible.  There 12 people on the board. He said he would agree to be on the board under one condition - if 11 board members agreed on one interpretation and he disagreed, then they would use his interpretation. They agreed to that arrangement, so he joined.  That's the only way I would join a committee or board. My time is too valuable to me to deal with less intelligent or knowledgeable people.  If I'm the most competent in a certain area then let me make the decisions after input from others, if someone else is the most competent then let them lead.  I hated group or partner projects in school for the same reason.

True, people with poor consensus-building skills should not be in politics. Politics is basically consensus-building skills, that's kind of the whole job.

[scottish]

I had a religion professor who was asked to be on the advisory board for a translation of the Bible.  There 12 people on the board. He said he would agree to be on the board under one condition - if 11 board members agreed on one interpretation and he disagreed, then they would use his interpretation. They agreed to that arrangement, so he joined.  That's the only way I would join a committee or board. My time is too valuable to me to deal with less intelligent or knowledgeable people.  If I'm the most competent in a certain area then let me make the decisions after input from others, if someone else is the most competent then let them lead.  I hated group or partner projects in school for the same reason.

True, people with poor consensus-building skills should not be in politics. Politics is basically consensus-building skills, that's kind of the whole job.

That is ...  a really excellent way of explaining it.   Thanks.

[iris lily]

Both DH and I served many terms on our neighborhood association board, a group that pulls in over $100,000 a year and serves as a liaison for our neighborhood of 800 households with city officials and city services.

I was young and enthusiastic in the early 90s during my first term. By the time of serving my last term in the year 2021 I was rolling my eyes with annoyance in hearing the same damn things debated over decades with nothing ever done about them. I wasn’t on the board continuously all that time, that would’ve been crazy. I took breaks of many years.

But I do understand that new people need to be supported in their Enthusiasm for their “new ideas” which are never new. I did welcome their overall enthusiasm and excitement in working on the neighborhood board, so that’s great.

Fortunately I was able to get off the board before I had to hear yet one more damn proposal for a dog park, proposals that went nowhere ever.

In my city,  being neighborhood president was the first steppingstone of getting into city politics. My neighborhood produced several aldermanic and  mayoral candidates from neighborhood president positions.

[iris lily]

No way I'd be part of an HOA b/c I wouldn't buy property subject to an HOA.

I am Director of Maintenance. Keeps me busy but that's a good thing.

Last night was a spruce up on the garage entrance. Cleaning of the doors, sweeping, etc. A I mowed part of the yard before it became too dark to see where I was going.

I manage one property. Our's. ;)

I am super happy with our condo HOA board. Boy they are on top of things, bless their hearts. We are a bunch of senior citizens in our old 100 your old building, and we all love the building and want to preserve it. I worry what will happen when the current governing group moves on. They have tackled the big expensive stuff over the past dozen years, and there it is hard to find people who will do that: two elevator replacements, tuck pointing entire building, huge multi-month surprise plumbing upheaval (with special assessment), refresh of lobby furnishings, refresh of common room furnishings.

Major major stuff. I suppose the roof will be next.

[Taran Wanderer]

I’ve been and am still on several boards - non-profit, business, industry association, and elected government. This service has given me a chance to learn about how governance and leadership of these organizations work. It has been a chance to meet some great people and appreciate how much strong values, rational decision making, and thorough discussion with compromise and consensus - and, rarely, decisive action - can have a positive impact on the organization.

It has also left me feeling how impotent an individual is in many of these situations. You have to schmooze, make others feel important, and pick your battles to get the most important things done - and this has been in organizations where there is relatively little interpersonal angst.

I’ve backed off from some of the boards while I’ve stayed on others. Part of sticking with it is a history of service across my family. Part of it is a desire to stay involved and stay “in the know” on things. It’s nice to be able to call up any elected official up to our state Senator and representative and have them take my call, or DW’s call. However, I’m past the whole feeling important part. You spend this time on outside wanting to get in, and once you do, you find that the problems are complex and you are actually responsible for doing something about them. If you have good people around you and you’re making forward progress, it can be rewarding… in the long term.

[Ron Scott]

I wouldn't buy property subject to an HOA.

We’ve owned a few homes and about 8 properties that were community managed…coops, condos, HOA. Our primary home now is in an HOA.

I think private and community-managed are both fine.If there’s not too much self-serving politics an HOA can be great.You do pay more, but if you buy right you’re getting better landscaping, a clubhouse, tennis, snow removal, etc. Frees up you time to focus on stuff you like!

[LaineyAZ]

I’ve been and am still on several boards - non-profit, business, industry association, and elected government. This service has given me a chance to learn about how governance and leadership of these organizations work. It has been a chance to meet some great people and appreciate how much strong values, rational decision making, and thorough discussion with compromise and consensus - and, rarely, decisive action - can have a positive impact on the organization.

It has also left me feeling how impotent an individual is in many of these situations. You have to schmooze, make others feel important, and pick your battles to get the most important things done - and this has been in organizations where there is relatively little interpersonal angst.

I’ve backed off from some of the boards while I’ve stayed on others. Part of sticking with it is a history of service across my family. Part of it is a desire to stay involved and stay “in the know” on things. It’s nice to be able to call up any elected official up to our state Senator and representative and have them take my call, or DW’s call. However, I’m past the whole feeling important part. You spend this time on outside wanting to get in, and once you do, you find that the problems are complex and you are actually responsible for doing something about them. If you have good people around you and you’re making forward progress, it can be rewarding… in the long term.

Reminds me of something from a few decades ago:  my teenage self happened upon a televised Congressional hearing. 
I don't remember the topic, but I remember the Congressman who listened and then reared back and said, "that sounds terrible, someone should do something about that!"  I was startled and thought As a Congressman aren't you the "someone"? 
And that was my first inkling that nothing is an easy fix and those in charge can feel just as impotent as the rest of us.

[Chris Pascale]

Pre-FIRE: I'm currently an elected rep where I teach (I rep my department), and last year I had to argue present before the college Senate to have a course approved.

In 2020 I was a congressional district leader for the Andrew Yang campaign, which was mostly just collecting enough signatures to make sure he got on the ballot, and I was also on the ballot as a delegate. When he ran for Mayor of NYC they wanted me to jump in again, but I'm not a city resident, and didn't have the time. Watching the Repubs in their first debate, there's a couple I'd like to hear more from, and would be willing to rope in daughter No. 2 into the process (my oldest was out with me some of the days).