Congratulations to newly elected city commissioners Linda Coates and Mike Williams, as you take your seats on the Fargo City Commission. I was one of seven candidates vying for these important positions and although I would have liked to win one of those seats, congratulations to the winners are in order.
My experience as a candidate was invigorating and exciting. Having never been involved in politics before, the experience taught me that campaigns are very much tactical maneuvers that require great planning, expert timing and a steadfast attention to detail. I've found that a political campaign itself is formulaic: Best to start early and have a good campaign manager. There is good reason why candidates rarely win the first race.
In addition to the overall plan for the campaign, I found that the candidate needs to be well informed on a wide range of specific issues that require not only a vast amount of information but also projected thinking regarding decisions that affect the long-term direction for the city.
Hot topics often take precedence in the mind of the voter. Questions dominating many individual conversations were those concerning grilling, portable signs and smoking. Unfortunately, such issues can make or break a candidate's chance of winning. The "hot topics" have a tendency to disappear as quickly as they arise but each new hot topic continues to pique the interest of the public.
With seven candidate forums and seven candidates, we had quite a few chances to discuss the issues. The last candidate forum on Scott Hennen's radio show was the day before the election. We candidates were all winding down. Williams leaned over and said, "Watch out, here comes the red herring." The last question at the last candidate forum: "The Ten Commandments: Move them or keep them?"
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Thanks to all my supporters and to the community of new friends who supported my efforts throughout the campaign. Your expression of faith and support is both humbling and inspiring. After years of involvement with issues within the city, I can only say that I have enjoyed this political campaign greatly and plan to continue working to improve the quality of life in the city of Fargo.
Morgan finished fourth in a field of seven candidates in June's city election. It was her first run for public office.
