I was looking for some information on the City of Windsor Election website when I noticed that they already have the next election date plugged into the countdown timer.Some people may laugh, but for anyone interested in running for council in the next election - the race has already begun.
1. Do a SWOT analysis (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) on yourself and have at least 5 close friends do the same. Make sure you ask them to be brutally honest.
2. Take your combined SWOT analysis and build a plan for the next four years to reduce or eliminate your weaknesses, take advantage of your opportunities and minimize or eliminate your threats. eg. Poor Public Speaking - take a Dale Carnegie course or join a Toastmasters club, Low Name Recognition - volunteer with organizations within your ward and throughout the city, write 'Letters to the Editor' on a regular basis , etc...
Early bird gets the worm really does apply in this case. Look at it as a four year exercise in self-improvement. An oft used acronym from my Navy days comes to mind PPPPPP (the 6 Ps's) - Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance. It may not be politically correct these days, but it certainly applys.
See ya in four years!
