August 3, 2005
Behind Every Candidate...
Why Samantha Herd's pack is following a leader
By Mark Herd
Guest Columnist
Most campaign workers are drawn to their candidate through their issues, their personality or their ability to win. I’m luckier than most. Not only are those all reasons that I’m working on Samantha Herd’s campaign but, as her younger brother, I know first hand the passion, experience and fight Samantha will bring to this year’s Council race.
For over a decade I’ve worked beside my sister Sam as she fought to re-elect great public servants like her mentor, Tyrone Yates; helped her stuff envelopes long into the night for groups like the Hamilton County Young Democrats; passed out tickets in rain and shine so that ordinary citizens would have the chance to hear President Bill Clinton address our city; driven teams of ground crews she lead in the Kerry GOTV (Get Out the Vote) effort.
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I’ve also watched her mold her career to fit the needs of our city. Whether as an aide at City Hall, a fundraiser for urban YMCA after-school programs, or a Legislative Assistant at the Statehouse, Sam has given her all to ensure that Cincinnati is a place we are all proud to call hometown.
After all those years of hard work and sacrifice, no one was happier than I to hear that Sam would finally be running for office herself. I signed on right away and moved into the job of Volunteer Coordinator. The campaign is now in full-swing. And, the response at the festivals and parades – from the Mount Washington, Northside, and Pleasant Ridge parades to the West Side StreetFest and Cincinnati Blues Festival – has been terrific, with so many people offering encouragement and their support. Fundraising is also off to a great start, outpacing at least one incumbent.
In addition to me, the campaign has a full complement of dedicated workers. Bernadette Watson, our treasurer, is a seasoned community leader and current Chief of Staff to Mayor Luken. Lucretia Graves, a long-time friend and former co-worker of Sam’s, is on board as Office Manager. And, most recently, LaChe Roach, a tenth-grader at Schroder High School and niece to Tyrone Yates, has begun volunteering in the office during the week.
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The campaign headquarters is located in Walnut Hills at 2220 Gilbert Avenue. During the week the office is generally open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and staffed by Lucretia or LaChe. Like myself, many of our campaign supporters work during the week, so in the evenings volunteers attend community meetings or go door-to-door with Sam.
The campaign is focusing on a number of issues, but primarily on what needs to be done to keep families and businesses in Cincinnati. Sam’s number one priority is to attract and retain jobs in our city. Higher employment in our city will mean more families pulled out of poverty and less crime in our neighborhoods. Jump-starting our neighborhood and riverfront development are also important campaign themes. Cincinnati needs to keep pace with the region and stop trailing behind Newport and our suburbs.
In my opinion, Cincinnati has missed the boat on some big issues. It seems harder and harder to convince friends and family to remain in our city. With all that Cincinnati does have to offer, many of the mistakes in the past appear to be the result of too much bickering and too little action at City Hall. Sam is one of the hardest workers I know. She will bring direction and a healthy dose of humility to the office of Councilmember.
I’m proud to be a part of what is surely the beginning of many successful campaigns. Find out more about my sister, Sam, at www.followtheherd.org.
"The Podium" is Queen City Forum Magazine's opinion page. Guest writers and staff writers offer their take on social, political and life issues. "The Podium" will feature a new "Behind Every Candidate" each week on Sunday going to the election on November 8th, 2005. The Mayoral Primary will be held on September 13th.
Contact Information
· podium@queencityforum.com
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