Jim Dailey

The photo above is of one of my yard signs in my first political campaign. At that time … early 70’s … I had been active in civic organizations and was considering a run for the State Legislature. Meanwhile, a family friend and City Council member was stepping down from his seat and he encouraged me to run. I DID AND WAS ELECTED … more on my dad’s name than mine, but I was elected. From that point on, it was in my blood.

The below photo shows the other candidates, one of which, Lottie Shackelford subsequently served two years as Mayor under the old system of appointment by the City Council. I share a special bond and friendship with Lottie and Dick Horne … both wonderful public servants.

As I reflect on my first campaign and those first four years I served in elected office, my heart and soul reaches out to each candidate running this election cycle. I remember the fundraising, the interviews, the door to door walking, the supporters and the non supporters. I remember a small gathering at our home election eve with campaign workers and well wishers … and most of all, I remember the agonizing stress waiting on numbers to be reported. I vividly recall, even forty years later, my shock when the results started coming in and I was leading.
CLEARLY THIS IS ONE OF THE MOST HUMBLING EXPERIENCES OF MY LIFE … AND IT HAS REMAINED SO THROUGH EACH ELECTION IN WHICH MY NAME WAS PLACED BEFORE THE PUBLIC.

I WOULDN’T TRADE ANY OF IT BUT, I AM STILL GLAD I AM NOT A CANDIDATE ANY LONGER.