19 replies to this topic

[Roger Gaylord]

There hasn't been an official check mark yet as ballots are still being counted, but I'd like to take this time and say THANK YOU to all of you who voted and supported my campaign!! Remember; this is just the beginning! 

I started this process, saying it's NOT about winning a seat; it IS about warning Folsom residents and raising awareness of the outside influences controlling Folsom’s leadership and shaping OUR development path. This election is in NO WAY a defeat; I’m not upset or let down that the incumbents have been re-elected yet again; this is true motivation, telling me, although we put forward a tremendous effort and produced remarkable results; the process will not happen overnight but mark my words it WILL HAPPEN! 

Together, we have truly started a movement Folsom has never seen before and change has been made. Many folks have now seen how Mayor Howell acted when called to the carpet and held accountable. Folks now know the Chambers BizPAC essentially runs incumbent’s campaigns; raising major outside funds, giving NOTHING back to Folsom businesses signifying a lack of representation in Folsom’s interests. Folks know about SO50 and the water issues. Folks now see how these people function and it’s going to be tough for any BizPAC backed candidate to pass the smell test come next election. 

These results are a key indication that the message, although effective; isn’t loud enough yet so we need to be louder! I’m not going anywhere; I started this endeavor in 2012, WE built it up in 2014 and WE will take this all the way and truly hold our elected officials' feet to the fire insuring Folsom residents and businesses are put first! 

Take a breath and enjoy the victory, Mayor Howell, Councilman Miklos, and Morin as BizPAC earned it for you; but take note, Folsom residents DEMAND to be respected, we DEMAND accountability, transparency and we DESERVE nothing but the best and we are watching you. 

We may have lost this election; but WE are far from over. 

 

The Facebook will still be up (https://www.facebook...eGaylord4Folsom) and we have already started the ground work on a Folsom community PAC to combat the outside funding supporting outside interests. 

 

Thank you again! -Roger 

 

[Rich_T]

Next time, challengers need to coordinate their efforts.  Four of you were too many this time; if two had dropped out, the other two might have been elected (or maybe not, but the chances would have been better IMO).

 

Of course, "next time" it will be a different type of election, since it will be Starsky plus one vacant seat (from Ernie Sheldon).  The strategy will differ somewhat, and public awareness will be whatever it is in two years, but what will remain the same is the notion of limiting the number of challengers, and running as a combined team.

[FolsomEJ]

Less than three doesn't matter if the problem is framed as "old" versus "new."

 

More than three almost guarantees a defeat, from a game theory standpoint.

 

The incumbents have this nailed.

[supermom]

What you are failing to mention is that 4 people went against them. Two of them with almost 20% of the votes each. 

 

Folsom is ready for change. 

 

What do I take from this?

 

We need another bizpak in town, that aligns itself with a specific agenda. 

[ducky]

Roger, you and the other challengers did something a rare few do.  Instead of complaining on the sidelines you actually did something and ran for office and tried to bring new ideas to the table.   We are the ones who should be saying thank you.

[Chad Vander Veen]

Next time, challengers need to coordinate their efforts.  Four of you were too many this time; if two had dropped out, the other two might have been elected (or maybe not, but the chances would have been better IMO).

 

Of course, "next time" it will be a different type of election, since it will be Starsky plus one vacant seat (from Ernie Sheldon).  The strategy will differ somewhat, and public awareness will be whatever it is in two years, but what will remain the same is the notion of limiting the number of challengers, and running as a combined team.

 

Rich you're almost certainly right. But the thing is this isn't party politics. This is four people from Folsom who wanted to get involved and make a difference. I knew when a fourth challenger emerged we were probably sunk. But how can I tell someone, "no, don't run you're going to hurt my chances?" I do think a slate would have improved our odds but aligning three people to run together, each of whom is running for their own reasons, is no easy feat.  

[Robert Giacometti]

Hang in there Roger, I agree there still is a mathematical possibility that you or Jennifer can gain enough to catch Steve!

 

It will take a herculean effort by an independent candidate to win an election beating an incumbent in our current system off open elections.  Off the top of my head I cant think of anyone who could pull this off!

 

To get started,  a candidate has to start working almost a year in advance, going top council meetings and possibly planning commission meetings. They have to get up to speed on issues and speak before the Council about issues. They have to start to familiarize themselves with the established activists and reach out to them for help at the beginning of the year, not in August. They have to write letters to the editor on issues throughout the year. They need to start recruiting people to help on their campaign in the spring. They need to go to community events throughout the year with a NAME tag and passing out information. They need to have their website up and working before May.

 

They have to have a very specific ballot statement telling people what they will do if elected.

 

Candidates have to recognize what are the hot topics for local voters and become extremely knowledgeable about those issues! A major faux pax is when Candidates tell voters what's important or their vision, instead of listening to what voters want!  A really good candidate has to be able to validate what voters are saying. Also a candidate has to give reasons why a person should vote for them other than its time for a change. 

 

Candidates need to recruit 10 to 15 people who are willing to host neighborhood coffees, to meet you. Its true typically not many people show up for these, but if the host will pass out about 30 to 50 flyers it gets you exposure and an endorsement and an opportunity to pass out yard signs.

 

Don't miss any candidates forums and don't schedule any vacations during the campaign.

 

Social media is changing the way campaigns are being conducted, so its crucial to build your network every time you talk with someone.

 

Finally, the single most important thing to do is to WALK neighborhoods knocking on doors!    A challenger HAS to be willing to walk neighborhoods! A person who is willing to knock on 6000 doors in town, who is informed, understands the issues and can relate to the voters and follows my recommendations from above, could possibly beat out an incumbent.

[Roger Gaylord]

One step forward.

Welcome to Folsom LOCAL- PAC. A strong, LOCAL community voice representing concerned citizens & small businesses in Folsom.

LIKE AND SHARE!!!!! More info coming soon, major work to do!

https://www.facebook...718149591608770

[Rich_T]

 

Rich you're almost certainly right. But the thing is this isn't party politics. This is four people from Folsom who wanted to get involved and make a difference. I knew when a fourth challenger emerged we were probably sunk. But how can I tell someone, "no, don't run you're going to hurt my chances?" I do think a slate would have improved our odds but aligning three people to run together, each of whom is running for their own reasons, is no easy feat.  

 

I know, and I can empathize.  That's how they end up "getting" you... the fresh candidates are "innocents", just trying to get involved and make a difference.  But they are essentially going up against a slate of incumbents who very much look, sound, feel, and smell like they are practicing "party politics".  One side is doing that, the other side are the "innocents", who stand no chance.

 

Maybe the thing to do is to use some S50 developer funds to erect statues of the long-term council members, and have done with it.

[supermom]

Roger, you and the other challengers did something a rare few do.  Instead of complaining on the sidelines you actually did something and ran for office and tried to bring new ideas to the table.   We are the ones who should be saying thank you.

awesome statement

[Sandra Lunceford]

The good thing about America is that anyone can run for office despite the odds.  I don't think it is anyone's place to tell someone to step aside.  That is the voters responsibility.  I know that sounds idealistic, but I have to believe it is the American way.  

 

I agree candidates do need to listen to their constituents...that is what makes a good politician.  However, I found that there are constituents that don't always understand the status quo or where it is taking them.  Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe a good politician leads by creating an agenda that addresses issues of concern in a fiscally sound manner.  However, issues oftentimes aren't of concern until they really hurt.

 

What is blatantly in your face, no matter the issue, is the whole machine runs on money.  

[maestro]

 

What is blatantly in your face, no matter the issue, is the whole machine runs on money.  

 

Truest statement you have made.   Now take a look at that city 6 30 2014 financial statement,  look for the millions of TOT (hotel tax) dollars.       Millions going straight to the Chamber?    Lots of votes can be bought with over $2.1 million.   

 

It's Chicago voting 101.     "Vote early, vote often."

[giacomo]

Time to start thinking 2016... Two city council seats are up Starsky and Sheldon. You can bet Starsky will run again and  we know that Ernie Sheldon will not run again. Ernie has told everyone he has two years left on the council (and I'm sure he'll continue to raise hell with the entitled 4) and then that's it.  I'm sure the other council members will try to get one of their own develeoper/chamber friendly candidate to run,so now is the time to start getting Roger or one of the other candidates ready to run again.You have the experience, network and know how to make one more successful run at it.  Thank you all for making a difference in Folsom Politics.

[cw68]

Teresa Stanley may take a stab at running. I'm pretty sure Chad and Roger will run again; don't know about Jennifer or Sandra.

[Robert Giacometti]

Why wait until 2016? Why not change everything in 6 months? Their is a process to do this and available. This council switched things around, why cant the citizens use the system in place to set up a more accountable city council? ITS OUR right to do this!

 

Please listen to me......this council will NOT survive this process! Its really relatively simple and I'll coordinate it.

 

 

Once S50 gets started, it wont matter who is on the Council! If there has EVER been anything Ive ever said, this is the most important issue to consider!

 

Don't be afraid to take back your city from the special interests!