My friend Pat McGuire was an English teacher until four years ago, when he ran for treasurer of Will County, Ill. He won. But now it's four years later, and he's in a race for reelection, and he needs to generate enthusiasm, lest a throw-the-bums-out mood causes people to vote automatically against the incumbent.
And really, what would be the harm in that? I mean, what does a treasurer do, exactly? Assuming he's not pocketing the property tax checks, what's the difference between a bad treasurer and a good one?
Communication, sez Pat.
In an e-mail to supporters explaining why we should take a chunk of a Saturday and drive to the aptly-named town of Plainfield, Ill. and march with him in a parade, Pat says it's traditionally a good event, with "an authentic, joyous atmosphere because it's homecoming."
He continues:
I also like the job I have and want to keep it. Cindy Cain of The Herald News called today because she's been assigned to interview both candidates for treasurer. I'm thinking of questions Cindy might ask me when we meet this Friday. One could be this: "Of what are you most proud of accomplishing as treasurer?"
My answer would be this:
"I'm most proud of establishing two-way communication with the public. My staff and I work every day to teach taxpayers who's who and what's what and what their rights are, and our efforts are paying off. More taxpayers know more about the property-tax system.
"The other side of the coin is that taxpayers tell us what's on their minds. That's why we wrote the fact sheet 'Why Did My Property Taxes Go Up?' and why we cut our budget.
"Taxpayers also suggest how we can improve our work. For instance, we keep a folder labeled 'Bill improvements' containing suggestions from taxpayers how to make the tax bill easier to read and more helpful. We've incorporated many of those suggestions.
"This is what democracy should be—an honest, ongoing, productive conversation between the government and the people."
Please let me know if you will march with us in Plainfield bright and early this Saturday!
Sincerely,
Pat
Sincerely, indeed. McGuire for Treasurer.
Wow! A POLITICIAN wrote that?? Did THAT?! GETS THAT?!?!
Are you sure you didn’t make this guy up???
Seriously though, if he doesn’t get re-elected, the constituents are fools!
I want to march with him in Plainfield, and I don’t even know where the hell that IS!!
His own muted horn-blowing actually does him no justice, Kristen. I’ve moved with him in Will County. He doesn’t buy a cup of coffee without asking the proprietor her name.
“Oh, what kind of name is that?”
“Oh, Slovenian! I’m good pals with ….”
And on, until he asks her where she lives, asks her if she’s had any problems or questions about her taxes. Well, if she ever does here’s his card, don’t hesitate to call …
He personally deals with calls from anyone, sane or crazy, who wants to bitch about their property taxes.
“This is Pat McGuire, how can I help you?” If he doesn’t immediately shock them into silence, he winds up soothing them.
Honestly, you spend a few hours with him, you casually extrapolate his behavior across government–and corporations–and you begin to see an infinitely more agreeable civilization.
McGuire for Treasurer, hell: McGuire for EVERYTHING.
Having been lucky enough to have spent a little time with him, I would vote for McGuire for everything, too. He’s a remarkable man, and everything a politician should be. Everything a human being should be, actually.
Steve C.
Having been lucky enough to have spent a little time with him, I would vote for McGuire for everything, too. He’s a remarkable man, and everything a politician should be. Everything a human being should be, actually.
Steve C.
Having been lucky enough to have spent a little time with him, I would vote for McGuire for everything, too. He’s a remarkable man, and everything a politician should be. Everything a human being should be, actually.
Steve C.
And what about women lawyers–is it also risky to wear the wedge to a law firm interview? No one will say that the wedge is a career-killer, like flip-flops, Birkenstocks, or Crocs. But some do think they are a bit clunky, if not funky.