Earlier this year when I first considered running for City Council, I floated the idea by more than a few friends. Their universal reactions were supportive, surprised at first, but very encouraging. And then, after digesting the news, they all had the same question “Was I nuts?”
They had a point. The job is not easy and carries an enormous amount of responsibility. Just running a campaign is enough to give pause to any sane person. Offering oneself up for public service is not something a lot of people are willing to do—especially at a time when our politics have become so divisive and dirty.
I thought long and hard about making a run. Was I willing to make the commitment it takes to run a viable campaign? Was I dedicated enough to follow through? Was I prepared for the public spotlight and loss of anonymity? And what about the overwhelming task of raising money?
I turned these questions over and over in my mind for over a month, vacillating back and forth before deciding to pull the trigger. I knew I would be a good candidate and I knew I could make a difference if I won. Ultimately, it came down to a simple question. Is the race even winnable? Yes, I concluded. Yes, it is.
Some disagreed with me, although not to my face. It’s nothing personal. It’s just that most of the voters in my district live on the Westbank and an Eastbanker has not been elected to the seat in over 40 years. Plus, I’ve never run for office before. It’s okay. I like being underestimated. Have been my whole life.
The election is just weeks away and I must confess, I have absolutely no regrets about running. Given the demographics of the district and the field of candidates, I have a solid chance of making the run-off. (There are seven candidates and most agree there will be a run-off). Five polls have been conducted and I’m running second in all five. In addition, as of this writing, I’ve received seven key endorsements: New Orleans Voter Alliance, Forum for Equality, Ambush Magazine, UNITY, New Orleans Rainbow Advocates, LGBTQ Victory Fund, and the New Orleans Voter Education League. Don’t get me wrong. I’m not taking anything for granted and I’m working hard every day to earn every vote I can.
So am I nuts? I’ll leave that for others to decide. What I can tell you is that I’m running because I’m frustrated with the inability of City Hall to deliver basic municipal services and I believe we can do better. City Hall has a lot of problems and not a lot of common sense. I can change that. I’ve been a no-nonsense problem-solver my whole life.
I’m Frank Perez and I’m asking for your vote on November 13.
For more information or to make a campaign contribution, please visit https://www.frankperezcitycouncil.com/
This is an advertisement for Frank Perez for City Council. Frank Perez has been endorsed by Ambush Magazine.
