So, my son, Harry Cohen, is running for Mayor of Tampa and what have I learned?
Well, first thing, I realized I can’t work myself up into a royal tizzy every time I see a yard sign with one of his opponent’s names.
I’ve learned I can’t keep asking a few close allies to do all the grunt work – I have to expand my reach. There are only so many envelopes one person can address.
I’ve learned the most effective ways I can help my son inform and educate the voters on how knowledgeable, qualified and experienced he is. I’ve also found out I didn’t know how to correctly spell “knowledgeable.” Whoops.
The upside? It’s a virtual playground for my creativity.
I’ve knit hundreds of mini-pouches.
I put some of these stickers in each pouch.
And I include the following message:
Harry “knits” Tampa neighborhoods together.
I pass out the pouches at Harry’s events.
And take a picture too.
I also have found a great way to stay fit and promote Harry too: riding my tricycle all over the neighborhood – outfitted with Harry signs.
If you want a sign, email me at irisruthpastor@gmail.com
And what else has having a son run for mayor taught me? It’s taught me that the people we elect into office in our cities have a great effect on our lives.
Who are you going to call when a young kid gets mowed down by a car while walking to school because sidewalks leading to schools are inadequate?
Who are you going to call when your street floods or rainwater seeps into your front door?
A neighbor oversteps his bounds?
Inadequate parking downtown drives you nuts?
Your adult kids can’t afford to move back to their hometown due to lack of affordable housing?
Your doctor has increased your blood pressure meds due to your aggravation over how long it takes you to drive to work because of traffic congestion?
An election is truly a sprint. Not a marathon.
There’s always more to do.
Never enough time to do it.
In the end – you only hope – the hard, unrelenting work pays off
And the most qualified candidate wins.
In my opinion, that’s my son, Harry Cohen.
Keep Preserving Your Bloom,
Iris