Shawn Henfling was tired of pointing a finger at the problem. Â He decided to become part of the solution.
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Everyone bitches and moans about what happens in government. Federal, state or local, everyone has an opinion and it is usually negative. Ask any person on the street what they think of the government and they will likely spin a yarn about wasting money, corruption, cronyism or worse. More than one person will tell you how you can’t trust a politician and how they’re all being paid on the side to make sweetheart deals. I’m no different. I’ve pointed the finger myself, accusing people of making decisions without all of the relevant facts.
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I finally decided to put up or shut up, and declared myself as a candidate for a local election. Most of my friends have accused me of losing what was left of my mind while simultaneously lending moral support. I’m running for Bradford County (PA) Commissioner as a Democrat. Why on Earth would I want to go through the hassle of running for a position that pays significantly less than I’m currently making? Furthermore, the job can be thankless and campaigning every four years for what amounts to a temporary job can be a nightmare. These things all beg the question: What the hell am I thinking?
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Still, why? Why would I take a pay cut and accept the responsibility and the stress that comes along with a position like this?
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Here’s the thing: I’m tired of sitting on the sidelines and playing Monday morning Quarterback. I listen every day to people complaining about where money is spent. I hear whispers of back office deals and quid pro quo agreements. If we are going to constantly complain that every day people don’t stand a chance in politics, we have to actually stand up and change it. I’m no politician.. I have no idea what I’m doing, how to properly raise money, or how to proceed from here. I don’t care. I’m trying to be the change I want to see.
Still, why? Why would I take a pay cut and accept the responsibility and the stress that comes along with a position like this? Because I can. Because I see an opportunity to help the place I grew up and to enrich the lives of others. I’m running because it feels like the right thing to do, and because there is a real possibility make positive change. We spend so much time pointing our judgmental fingers at our leaders and not enough working to put people into those positions we can trust. I may not win, but I’ll run with my integrity intact. I think we need a few more good men and women in office. Real people can bring positive change, but we can’t wait for them to rise up. Some of us need to lead the charge.
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Photo: Â Theresa Thompson/Flickr
