Motivations for Running
[ Excerpt originally published in the SBN-P, December 2005 ]
POLITICAL CROSSROADS: DECISION COULD CHART COUNCILMAN'S CAREER
By Steve Malone
Das Williams is at a political crossroads.
Just 31, with less than two years in office, he faces the most important decision of his young political career: whether to run for the 2nd District seat on the Board of Supervisors.
In the face of resistance and pressure not to run from the local Democratic Party hierarchy, who want to clear the field for Janet Wolf, Mr. Williams is struggling to decide if he should challenge the establishment, or do what doesn't come naturally for him: slow down...
He surprised the political establishment when he was elected to the Santa Barbara City Council two years ago, without many key endorsements, relying mostly on environmentalists and neighborhood groups to get him into office.
Political consultant John Davies... described Mr. Williams as an outspoken rebel who has carved his own path. The councilman won't do himself any political favors if he doesn't run, Mr. Davies said, because the people who don't like him have already made up their minds.
"He has changed politics in the city of Santa Barbara more than anyone in a long time," said Mr. Davies, who has advised many Republican candidates, including Santa Barbara Councilman Dan Secord...
"He has taken bold stands. If Das doesn't run and doesn't go anywhere for two years, he will absolutely go stir crazy with the rest of his life."
Mr. Davies said the councilman has two political plays: Assembly or county supervisor...
The wrong decision could make Mr. Williams' political future more challenging.
In hopes of finding the answer, he spent the last two weeks in the U.S. Virgin Islands pondering his choice.
"I'm spending some time getting back to basics: praying and thinking about what I began this journey into public service 13 years ago to accomplish," Mr. Williams said. "Back then, I realized if the wrong people held power in government, then every natural place that I loved from the Gaviota Coast to More Mesa would be developed and destroyed within my lifetime."
A lot is at stake for Mr. Williams.
If he wins, he will have successfully spring-boarded from the City Council to the Board of Supervisors. Without term limits there, and with an incumbent's advantage, Mr. Williams could serve for several terms and still have many political options open.
If he runs and loses, he risks burning his political capital. If he splits the Democratic vote and Janet Wolf loses to the popular moderate Republican Dr. Secord, he runs the risk of getting blamed for the Democrats' loss.
On the other hand, if Mr. Williams decides not to run, he risks appearing to have bowed to pressure. He may also have missed his chance to run for the Board of Supervisors, where open seats don't occur frequently...
He is trying hard to change people's perceptions that he is overly ambitious. He insists ego is not behind his passion.
"It is not, as my detractors represent, personal ambition that makes me 'a young man in a hurry,' " Mr. Williams said. "The difficult choice I face is where I can best serve the people of our community, but as long as they will have me, I will serve them in some capacity for the next 10 to 20 years."
... Jon Williams, chairman of the Santa Barbara Progressive Coalition, said it is too early for the councilman to decide not to run. "I don't at all mind both of them running, and I think polls will tell us as we get closer if we are going to hurt a chance for a progressive victory," he said. "At that time, one of them can bow out. I don't think it has to happen at this point."
The councilman is afraid of making the wrong decision. He wants an assurance that the 2nd District supervisor will show leadership and oppose a "growth at any cost" agenda...
"If I can be convinced that Janet can win and can provide that voice, then I will not run," he said. "But if no one else will provide that leadership, I will step forward. I do not want to make the wrong decision and do anything to strengthen the hand of the people who would see development of every precious piece of this county."
Santa Barbara News-Press
POLITICAL CROSSROADS: DECISION COULD CHART COUNCILMAN'S CAREER
By Steve Malone
Das Williams is at a political crossroads.
Just 31, with less than two years in office, he faces the most important decision of his young political career: whether to run for the 2nd District seat on the Board of Supervisors.
In the face of resistance and pressure not to run from the local Democratic Party hierarchy, who want to clear the field for Janet Wolf, Mr. Williams is struggling to decide if he should challenge the establishment, or do what doesn't come naturally for him: slow down...
He surprised the political establishment when he was elected to the Santa Barbara City Council two years ago, without many key endorsements, relying mostly on environmentalists and neighborhood groups to get him into office.
Political consultant John Davies... described Mr. Williams as an outspoken rebel who has carved his own path. The councilman won't do himself any political favors if he doesn't run, Mr. Davies said, because the people who don't like him have already made up their minds.
"He has changed politics in the city of Santa Barbara more than anyone in a long time," said Mr. Davies, who has advised many Republican candidates, including Santa Barbara Councilman Dan Secord...
"He has taken bold stands. If Das doesn't run and doesn't go anywhere for two years, he will absolutely go stir crazy with the rest of his life."
Mr. Davies said the councilman has two political plays: Assembly or county supervisor...
The wrong decision could make Mr. Williams' political future more challenging.
In hopes of finding the answer, he spent the last two weeks in the U.S. Virgin Islands pondering his choice.
"I'm spending some time getting back to basics: praying and thinking about what I began this journey into public service 13 years ago to accomplish," Mr. Williams said. "Back then, I realized if the wrong people held power in government, then every natural place that I loved from the Gaviota Coast to More Mesa would be developed and destroyed within my lifetime."
A lot is at stake for Mr. Williams.
If he wins, he will have successfully spring-boarded from the City Council to the Board of Supervisors. Without term limits there, and with an incumbent's advantage, Mr. Williams could serve for several terms and still have many political options open.
If he runs and loses, he risks burning his political capital. If he splits the Democratic vote and Janet Wolf loses to the popular moderate Republican Dr. Secord, he runs the risk of getting blamed for the Democrats' loss.
On the other hand, if Mr. Williams decides not to run, he risks appearing to have bowed to pressure. He may also have missed his chance to run for the Board of Supervisors, where open seats don't occur frequently...
He is trying hard to change people's perceptions that he is overly ambitious. He insists ego is not behind his passion.
"It is not, as my detractors represent, personal ambition that makes me 'a young man in a hurry,' " Mr. Williams said. "The difficult choice I face is where I can best serve the people of our community, but as long as they will have me, I will serve them in some capacity for the next 10 to 20 years."
... Jon Williams, chairman of the Santa Barbara Progressive Coalition, said it is too early for the councilman to decide not to run. "I don't at all mind both of them running, and I think polls will tell us as we get closer if we are going to hurt a chance for a progressive victory," he said. "At that time, one of them can bow out. I don't think it has to happen at this point."
The councilman is afraid of making the wrong decision. He wants an assurance that the 2nd District supervisor will show leadership and oppose a "growth at any cost" agenda...
"If I can be convinced that Janet can win and can provide that voice, then I will not run," he said. "But if no one else will provide that leadership, I will step forward. I do not want to make the wrong decision and do anything to strengthen the hand of the people who would see development of every precious piece of this county."
Santa Barbara News-Press
Posted by Malcolm on
1/27/2006
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2 Comments
One of the most precious things a citizen can do is give their vote to a candidate. Only two years into his first elected office, Das is dismissing the votes that were offered to him, and moving on to his next endeavor. His actions demonstrate a high level of insincerity, betrayal, and blind-ambition. He may have excuses, but actions tell more about the man than words.
Like many who supported Das a mere two years ago, with time money and political capital, I'm dismayed and insulted that he is choosing to abandon his current office. Besides being irresponsible, it also underscores a belief that his 'public service' is really more about himself than the public he serves.
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