Before the Votes Are Counted, Thank You for Stepping Forward

By T.W. Shortt, Former Radcliff Councilman and local business owner

The election is just days away. Soon, the signs will come down, the advertisements will stop, and voters will have made their choices.

Some candidates will celebrate. Others will gather their signs, thank their supporters, and come to terms with a disappointment that only those who have run can fully understand.

Before that happens, I want to say something to everyone who put their name on the ballot:

Thank you for stepping forward.

I have expressed strong opinions during this election. I have questioned records, challenged promises, and offered my judgment about who should lead. Scrutiny is part of seeking public office.

But disagreement should never prevent us from appreciating the commitment it takes to become a candidate.

It is easy to say someone ought to do something. Putting your own name on the ballot requires considerably more.

Money goes toward signs, printing, advertising, and fuel. You spend hours away from work, miss family activities, and stay up late preparing and up early to meet voters at their doorsteps.

You introduce yourself to strangers and ask for something important: their trust.

Some welcome you. Some challenge you. Others never answer the door. You straighten your shoulders and walk to the next house.

Then comes the part most people never see.

The sleepless nights. The answer you wish you had given differently. The worry about another expense. The nagging feeling that you should have knocked on more doors, made more calls, or attended one more event.

No matter how much you have done, it can feel like you have never done enough.

I have been a candidate. I know that feeling.

Your family knows it, too. They share your schedule, your worries, and sometimes the sting of criticism. They listen when you are discouraged and help with the work that continues long after a public event ends.

They deserve our appreciation.

In a two-person race, only half the candidates will win. In other contests, several people seek a limited number of seats. Election night will leave hardworking people disappointed.

Their effort still matters.

They gave voters a choice. They raised questions, offered ideas, and required others to explain their records. Sometimes, a losing candidate raises an issue the winner can no longer ignore.

How fortunate we are to have people willing to undertake this responsibility living among us. They are our neighbors, business owners, veterans, parents, working people, and retirees.

To those who win: honor your promises and serve everyone, including those who opposed you.

To those who fall short: rest, thank your families, and stay involved. Your community still needs you.

Andra and I thank you personally for your willingness to volunteer to be at the tip of the spear—to accept the scrutiny, shoulder the responsibility, and serve your neighbors. Our thanks extend to the families who stood beside you.

God bless you, and thank you for caring enough to step forward.