Have any of you ever held elective public office? If so, what was your experience?

Question

To those who grouse constantly about politicians, try it and see what it is like. I've been there. I won the election. It's no cup of tea. And it's not all about money and cronies once you get into office. This is reality.

Maryn - you sound bitter.

Answer 1

I have not, but I am friends with a guy who did for 25 years and long watched.

All perks aside, I think holding public office is the worse job I've ever encountered. The responsibilities are enormous even at the lowest levels.

Thank you for your service to whatever community you reside within. I do know what you are talking about. It's a rough way to go. The public can be very demanding and you have to watch your butt every step of the way.

Cheers!

Answer 2

I'm too young to hold public office, so I dunno if this counts, but last year in 8th Grade, I was elected to be a Student council Representative at my private Middle School. The school is only 10 years old, but supposedly, it was the best year we had yet. We raised $400, changed the dress code and made a "Suggestion Box" for the other students to voice their complaints. However, later, I ran for President, and people threw my posters in the toilet and pissed on them. Oh well. Since Politicians are such a crooked bunch, I'll probably never run for (or win) a real public office

Answer 3

Not Yet

There are thousands of un filled Gov Jobs

Levy Commissioner would be good All that graft and bribery for levy contracts

Some Government Jobs are more for the Gay Community Like Delegates to a National Conventions or Electoral College delegates.... I like it that the Government has something for everyone.

Answer 4

I was a congressman once, from my home state of North Dakota. It was a rough experience, one which changed my worldview utterly and completely. Luckily I was not reelected for a subsequent 2 year term, and I used my connections to have an affair on my wife and extort money from rivals.

Answer 5

Are we to be impressed? Surely when you ran, you understood what the job entailed.

I'm not in political life, but family members are or were. It's hard work, but they knew that going in.

Unfortunately for many, many people in elected office, it *is* about doing favors in exchange for the same. Cronyism and money have run the political world for thousands of years, and the politician who refuses to play is one who's relatively ineffectual.

Answer 6

my father is a state rep. and I have helped him with his campaign. on the LOCAL level it's pretty rewarding and for the most part clean (though not completely).. it's the national level where you see the escalation of corruption.


I also work for lobbyists (for pre-k programs) and am being registered as a lobbyist this month (hurray for promotions)


I'm VERY savvy with the political process in my state.

Answer 7

To answer your question;

I have in a way, I was/am a state delegate to the national convention for the GOP. It is a great experience I agree.