CALL TO ACTION
I understood when I started my campaign for the School Board, I would need to raise a little bit of money. There are some things every local campaign needs to be successful — campaign literature, yard signs, and other promotional materials and I knew that from the start.
Luckily enough, I have a tremendous base of supporters, made up of family, friends, and neighbors, across the district. Some have been gracious enough to contribute to the campaign. I would like to extend a special thank you to those that have already contributed. With the contributions the campaign has already received, we were able to reach an amount, that I thought would be sufficient.
My team and I reached our fundraising goal. We have been able to order campaign literature and yard signs. Yet, what we have accomplished so far, does not mean as much as it should. Some of my opponents are endorsed by local political parties, which means we are literally fighting political machines. No matter how much money my team and I raise, it will never be enough to match the endorsed candidates. You would think, that in a local election every candidate would have a fair chance. Sadly, that is far from the truth.
I am not endorsed by any local political party; I accept that fact and am motivated by it. I have thus been allowed to run a non-partisan, grassroots campaign, earning support from democrats and republicans. The School Board should not be a place for partisan politics. No political organization should have influence over a School Board member when they are making decisions which affect students, staff, and residents. If elected, I know that will not be an issue for me, but could be for some of my opponents. Honestly, I do not know how my opponents who are endorsed by political parties could avoid that dilemma. The endorsed candidates in this race, have thousands of dollars behind them. Those candidates gladly accept that money. What does that mean if any of them are elected? How could they declare their independence from the organizations who funded their campaigns?
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The leaders of the local political parties do not want anything to change. What does that mean for an outside candidate like me? It means, they will do anything in their power to shut me out. No matter how much money my team and I raise, we will never be able to match the local political parties. I think, the amount of money involved in local politics, takes away power from the voter, especially in the primary. Voters may simple not have the opportunity to familiarize themselves with unendorsed candidates due to the power and money of the local political parties.
A lot of people have told me that the entire process of running for office will be a great learning experience. I have learned a few things, frankly, some lessons have been upsetting. From the start, my mission has been to provide a fresh voice on the school board and, thereby, encourage younger people to get involved in the local political process. This is my motivation every time I knock on a door or make a call. My intentions have been transparent from the start and will stay that way. I truly just want the best for the NASD.
I will not be intimidated nor will I back down. I will continue my campaign, regardless of a system which by its very nature might attempt to shut me out. I will not accept the premise that outside candidates do not deserve a place in local politics.
This is what I want to do; I would like to order more campaign literature and yard signs. These promotional tools are very effective and send the message that we will not back down. To accomplish this, we need to raise only a few hundred dollars more. So, I ask of you, if you believe in my campaign and understand the forces that are against us, please consider contributing through our website Johnmaxey2017.com. When I say, anything helps, anything truly helps. No matter if you can give a $1, $10, or $100, this will make a difference!
I only want the best for the NASD and I know you do too. Unified, I know we can emerge victorious on Tuesday, May 16th.
Again, thank you for fighting with me! Johnmaxey2017.com
