Editor’s Note: This is the first of the NKyTribune’s free op-ed postings from NKY candidates in major races in which there is opposition. All candidates may send op-ed’s of 1000 words or less to be published before Nov. 1 for the Nov. 3 election. The commentary should be positive about the candidate and his/her positions. Don’t want until the last minute — these will be published in the order in which they are received.
When I decided to run for Florence City Council, I knew I had a lot to learn. What I didn’t know was how much I would learn about my hometown, about people and, quite honestly, about myself.
For 32 years of my adult life, I was an educator. I knew my role in the classroom and as a leader in my schools. I feel comfortable saying I was good at what I did! Then I retired and decided to do something completely outside my comfort zone by running for a council position.
Campaigning has definitely not been like running a classroom. As a teacher, I had a defined group of students, a curriculum, goals, and when taking on leadership roles, some authority to make decisions for the school community. As a candidate, I have no authority yet. My job is simply to earn people’s trust. I’m asking them to trust that I’ll listen, learn, ask good questions, work with others, and make thoughtful decisions on their behalf if they give me the opportunity to serve.
The greatest lesson I have learned so far is very simple. People want to be heard.
I’ve had conversations at fairs and festivals, community events, with local business owners, at meetings and in places where I never expected to have a conversation about Florence. People tell me what they love about our city and what frustrates them. They share ideas, and ask tough questions. Sometimes, they simply want someone to listen. The number of people this summer that welcomed me into their home or onto their porch while walking door to door in the heat was heartwarming.
People told me stories of how they came to call Florence home, about their families, their needs and their wishes. I even remember a very passionate conversation about Jimmy Carter! I was offered bottles of water and lemonade, and sometimes met people who remembered my parents. Those were some of my favorite days on the campaign trial. Ultimately, people simply wanted to be seen, heard, and to know that there is someone out there working in their favor.
For years, I told my students there was no shame in saying, “I don’t know, but I can find out.” I found myself saying those same words on the campaign trail. I didn’t always have a quick answer for every issue that faces our city. I sat in meetings and listened to discussions about development, traffic, public safety, city services and the future of Florence. I learned that decisions that may look simple from the outside are often anything but simple once you understand all the pieces involved.
That has been humbling, but has also made me a better candidate.
I learned to ask more questions and to listen a little longer. I’ve learned that sometimes the person who disagrees with you has information or a perspective you haven’t considered. The classroom taught me that every person brings a different story into the room. The campaign trail has reminded me the same is true in a city.
I’ve also learned that showing up matters, and I have chosen to show up in a multitude of ways.
I’ve attended council meetings, completed the Mayor’s Academy, Citizen’s Police Academy, and currently am participating in the Citizen’s Fire Academy. I’ve met with department leaders, educators, business owners, seniors, community organizations and residents. By doing all of these things, I am learning from experts in all fields and seeing the city through many different lenses. I have shown up because I genuinely want to understand how Florence works.
I was born and raised here, attended Florence schools, and raised my family here. My dad served on Florence City Council in the 1980s, and my mom spent years volunteering in this community. I thought I knew Florence pretty well. It turns out there was still so much I didn’t know.
And maybe that has been my favorite part of this journey. I have seen how many people quietly give their time and energy to make our community better. It has been inspirational to say the least.
The campaign trail has also taught me something about myself.
I really can do hard things.
Asking for votes and campaign contributions didn’t come naturally to me. Walking up to someone and saying, “Hi, I’m Shari Kilmer, and I’m running for Florence City Council,” was once far outside my comfort zone. Hanging nearly 7,500 door hangers in 100 degree temperatures was not easy. Asking business and property owners for permission to display my signs was so uncomfortable. Asking family and friends to work alongside me to help me achieve my dream has not been easy.
But, I did it. The best part of it has been that I did it my way. I will always be able to reflect on this time knowing that I campaigned with integrity and positivity. I set out to highlight my love of this city and my wish to be part of the conversations that affect the lives of everyone in my community. The number of people that have shown up on my behalf, has been amazing. I will never be able to show my appreciation in a way that is worthy of what everyone has done to support me. Especially my husband, Larry. I could not have done this alone, that is for sure!
This city has been part of my story for my entire life, and I believe I have something to give back. The campaign trail has taught me that leadership begins by showing up, pulling up a chair and listening, and by doing your homework!
The lessons I’ve learned will stay with me long after this campaign is over.
Regardless of what happens on November 3, I am so proud of myself and what I have already accomplished.
Shari Kilmer is a candidate for Florence City Council.