21 Votes: The Sting of the Will of the People

By Garret Romaine

Earlier this year I had the honor of losing the election for Director-Sponsor of STC Region 7 by 21 votes. Losing elections is a tough job, and not one I look forward to ever again. Someone has to do it, because for one candidate to triumph, another has to fail. But I'll be the first one to say that unopposed elections are a lot more fun.

When I found out the results of the vote, I began cycling between the emotions of anger and embarrassment and relief. The vote count was 197-176, so it was fairly close, which gave me some comfort. And I should say, right up front, that your new Director-Sponsor, Rahel Bailie of the Vancouver, B.C., chapter, will be a great leader and I fully support her and wish her luck. I've met Rahel and talked with her several times, and I think she'll be great for the job. In truth, I think the better candidate won.

It is, after all, a tough job for the winner. Being Director/Sponsor makes you responsible for around 20 chapters and 2,200 members. That requires probably about 500 hours per year of volunteer time over a three-year term, with extensive travel and rapidly consumed vacation leave coming into play. I'm a cheap enough tightwad to consider the gains; that's a lot of time and money I can probably save. So in a way, I was kind of glad that a big chunk of my life was suddenly reclaimed, even if it did cost me the shame of losing in public.

I'd be a dope to claim that it didn't hurt a little, because every election is basically a popularity contest. The bottom lip came out, and I was singing the "Nobody Loves Me" blues for about a week. But as soon as I got over the conceit of wondering why everyone in my home chapter didn't flock to the polls to support me, which would have produced a resounding landslide, I realized that I had it wrong. I put it in the perspective that a lot of people had voted for me. That really felt much better and helped me with my little 12-step problem. I clipped through anger and disbelief and shock and shame and fear and moved right to deciding I should write about it and get it out of my system entirely; hence this offering for the local newsletter. I think it's part of the penance for not trying harder.

Looking back, I didn't put out much effort. Back in the old days, candidates weren't even expected to campaign, but those rules changed, unfortunately. I went up to the Puget Sound chapter and addressed their fine members, and I made a quick spiel at one Willamette Valley meeting. I wrote some articles for various chapter newsletters, probably missing as many as I hit. I spent a few hours gathering up a serious photograph of me in a suit and tie, and I wrote some official ballot drivel extolling my own virtues, which is like bragging in public and is not that easy. My feeble advice to anyone who would attempt this feat in the future would be to put a little more effort into it than I did. Or not. I can't discount the notion that the more I put into it, the less effective was my campaign. Romaine-fatigue, if you will.

When I really thought about it, in terms of something other than my own brush with the will of the people, I guess the turnout total was probably the only real downer. I was so un-inspiring with my message that less than 400 out of a possible 2,200 voters bothered to register any opinion at all. That meant I got 176/2,200 = 8%. Suddenly my Christmas list was looking better. At the very least, while I have a public forum, I want to thank everyone that did make a mark by my name. I owe you and I will be happy to return the favor in your next election. I think it's an ethics violation to promise to repay you with adult beverages or mowing your lawn.

Part of my reason for writing this, and the easiest way to placate a tough editor, is to bring this back to STC. It was an honor just to be thought of as qualified for such a lofty position. Like all non-profit, volunteer organizations, STC needs more people willing to step up. Our chapter has had great results over the past 10 years, and I had big dreams about bringing that message to the entire region. There are so many great leaders in our chapter, perhaps one of you will be able to run a coherent campaign and effectively represent the Willamette Valley at the next level. My message to everyone is to keep trying to make a difference, to keep busy, and to have fun with your participation.

At the same time I was writing my scintillating ballot message, I also applied for a volunteer job with state government, which I was quickly denied. I let my boss at work know that I'm up for more responsibility and was promptly rewarded with several more direct reports. I got a few projects done around the house this summer, and I'm free to teach more, or write more, or something. I can concentrate on being a better parent or spouse, maybe. Or watch more sports on TV …

Will I run again? I honestly don't know. I'm not looking to become the Harold Stassen of STC elections, the guy who ran every time and always lost. Risking a second public whuppin' makes me cringe, because it would really hurt, and the safe play is to just not run and never take the chance. I'm also not sure what I'll have going in three years, and how life may intrude on my long-term goals. I volunteered to serve on a national leadership committee for STC, so I'll put some effort into that and have fun with it. It's a safe job - writing articles and pontificating from the peanut gallery. Now there's something I can handle!

Garret Romaine is a technical publications lead at Pixelworks, Inc. in Tualatin, OR. He is a past president of the Willamette Valley Chapter and can be reached at garretr@pixelworks.com.