ONLY editorial writers are morally allowed to criticize the performance of lawmakers and then do nothing. Everybody else should either run for office, join a campaign, vote for someone better than the incumbent or, as Fran Drescher says, talk to the hand. An island primer on
how to run for office
Getting elected is easier than you think and harder than you know, according to Ann Kobayashi. In a presentation this Monday to Hawaii Women Lawyers and the local Federal Bar Association, the former state senator and executive assistant to Mayor Harris dispensed advice for aspiring politicians.
The first requirement for a viable candidacy, says Kobayashi, is to possess intelligence, common sense, caring, open-mindedness and the ability to see the "big picture." He or she should appreciate the enormous commitment of time and effort expected of a government representative -- ranging from attending year-round hearings and community events to always being in the public eye.
To begin, Kobayashi says, get involved at the grass-roots level. Serve on neighborhood boards, become active in professional organizations or volunteer for nonprofit causes.
Ready to run for the Legislature or Council? Select three key staffers: 1) a campaign committee chairperson with name recognition, 2) an astute treasurer to handle all accounting matters and 3) a savvy public relations person.
Recruit people to help, including family, friends, acquaintances and former classmates. Even if they don't live in your district, they probably know folks who do.
Form committees for sign-holding, door-to-door canvassing, recruiting and food. The latter is especially important, because all volunteers must be fed and treated well.
In ballpark figures, you'll need about $100,000 for a serious Senate race, $50,000 for a House seat, $130,000 for the Council. Hold a fund-raiser and send out appeal letters. Some candidates take out loans, second mortgages or borrow money from family. Whatever you do, follow the rules and freely consult the Campaign Spending Commission.
Communicate your platform to the voters. TV is too expensive and a luxury for a district race. Newspaper and radio ads are good but the best vehicle is the brochure, says Kobayashi. Since other candidates do mailings, too, make sure yours stands out. Put your name and picture on the brochure's front and back, since it will have an approximate "life" -- from mailbox to wastebasket -- of seven seconds.
Sign-waving is still a must and the candidate must do it personally, not just the supporters. For better or worse, many in-doubt voters will opt for the diehard regularly seen on the side of the road braving sun, wind and rain.
Going door-to-door is cheap but time-consuming and impossible to do in secured condominiums. Coffee hours don't draw the numbers anymore, so forget them.
BE seen in the busiest places at the busiest times, such as your neighborhood Longs drug store late on Sunday mornings or at the local bon dance in the summer. Above all, always be positive, cheery and up, up, up -- even if you're not -- to boost the morale of your campaign troops.
While doing the above, don't forget job responsibilities, your loving family and significant other, and maintaining your sanity. It will be well worth it if you get elected, says Kobayashi, because how can Hawaii improve without quality lawmakers like you?
P.S. If you don't run, help someone good who will. But remember, too many "alternatives" on the ballot are always an advantage for the incumbent.
Diane Yukihiro Chang's column runs Monday and Friday.
She can be reached by phone at 525-8607, via e-mail at
DianeChang@aol.com, or by fax at 523-7863.