I’m a little gun-shy after my denied signature submissions to run as a Democratic candidate for mayor. I feel like the political road is filled with hidden land mines that an uninitiated candidate is very likely to set off.
So far I’ve passively raised about a small amount of money through a Paypal account I set up for the campaign. But some of the donations are from my friends and supporters in Canada. And all the PayPal accounts from which I received the donations are in the names of companies. Such is the life of a business owner.. most of the people I know run businesses.
I can’t find if I’m able to accept donations from another country. I’m pretty certain I can’t accept donations from a “foreign national.” Google tells me that’s a person living in this country but is a citizen of another country.
I know I can’t accept donations from a corporation.
I may just return it all and maybe only accept checks from this point forward. We’ll see. (If you donated, incidentally, that’s one of more humbling things I’ve experienced in my life. I truly thank you.)
The technical details of it all are just sitting out there in a field waiting for me to walk over and blow up in my face.
I keep reading that doing this or that are illegal and are “fifth degree felonies.”
In our prison-happy country I’m sure that’s some number of years in prison.
And I know that an opponent would like nothing more than find a mistake in my process so they can paint me as incompetent at best or send me to jail at the worst.
Why would anyone want to go through this process? Why would anyone want to be a politician?
Here’s my question: How the hell have we gotten to this point where we all ask those questions?
It’s all turning me into this suspicious conspiracy theorist. Although I’m not thinking my suspicions are far off.
“Don’t worry kids. Mom and dad will take care of this pesky political stuff. You just go and play.”
How unlikely do you think it is that the Democrats and Republicans have painted us into this corner where The People have been pushed out of political process by making it too complicated and painful to participate in?
So I carry on.
Picture from here:
Urge the U.S. to Sign Treaty Banning Use of Landmines | ForceChange
Comments
8 responses to “Day 16 – Campaign Finance (Ugh) – The Road To Mayor”
Soldier on. If easy all would try. U r already bringing to lite of day
Thank you man! You’re encouragement means the world to me.
Sage
My dearest Sage—Firstly, what a hard lesson to learn of the things going on out there. I know others who have been there too. Whatever happens we are so behing you and although money is an issue when we get home from our trip if we can we will help you. Also, don’t be afraid to ask us to visit neighborhoods, pass out pamphlets etc…Wishing you well, but in this corrupt world who knows, a miracle? I’m a pessimist usually, sorry. By the way take Indy to see Disneys’ Inside Out. Clayde too. It is really amazing and how anyone could think of this is also amazing. One of the best movies by Pixar since Toy Story. Hi to all–keep in touch, I will save thie e-mail because of the reference to all your e-mails. I had no idea this was happenin to you!!!!!Tiue too, too, honest for some thing like this, Kudos for at least trying!!!!!!
Love you guys.
I am still not at this e-mail thing but I’m trying. Especially to Clayde—we need to still do lunch. I lost my job and am going nuts……Margie
Thank you so much, Margie!
Your words of encouragement are really great energy.
Thank you thank you thank you!!!
Indeed “soldier on”! … thank you for the hot dog and for the presence of your company. As I was saying, if Joe Schmo wants to run for ANY position or office, the Board of Elections should FACILITATE them thru the process. … truly “walk them thru it” if need be. “Mum’s the word.” is not acceptable!
SAGE LEWIS FOR AKRON MAYOR!
Thank you Marcia!
You are such a great inspiration.
Thank you again,
Sage
For such a ‘tech’ guy, I’m surprised that you are having so much trouble finding the documentation for the rules regarding campaign finance in the State of Ohio and within the City of Akron.
Grab my hand and let’s take a trip around the World Wide Web.
First stop:The Ohio Secretary of State’s “Campaign Finance” page.
http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/CampaignFinance.aspx
Next: The free, online “Ohio Campaign Finance Handbook” from the SOS
http://www.sos.state.oh.us/SOS/publications.aspx#Campfin
Last, and not hidden… unless you don’t pay any attention to the documents that govern the job you are apparently hoping to seek… the City of Akron’s Charter- Title 3 Administration – Chapter 30 Mayor and Council – Article 2 Campaign Finance
https://www.municode.com/library/oh/akron/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=TIT3AD_CH30MACO_ART2CAFI_30.10DE
Thanks for the links!
It’s not that I couldn’t find it. It was just a lot to take in early on in this process.
But what I can tell you is: Today I feel a lot more comfortable with the technical aspects of all this stuff. I still have a lot to learn. But it feels a lot more comfortable today (Day 33) compared to Day 16.