April 12, 2005
Behind Every Candidate...
Robert Wilson's grassroots campaign makeupt
By Daniel Cross
Guest Columnist
When former classmates, coworkers, and even current friends come across the 2005 Robert Wilson for Cincinnati campaign, they almost undoubtedly ask “Is that the same Robbie Wilson that I know?”
The answer is yes... and no. The Robbie Wilson who graduated with honors from Cincinnati’s Northwest High School, excelled in the Air National Guard, and studied Urban Planning at the University of Cincinnati’s College of Design, Art, Architecture and Planning is now Robert Wilson: City Council Candidate.
Rob Wilson is almost single-handedly running his highly respectable and successful public campaign. His honesty and dedication are trademarks of his success. He works tirelessly at meeting local business owners in all of Cincinnati’s neighborhoods and attends community council meetings to gain insight into the people’s concerns. He’s a 21-year-old college student who, in addition to fulfilling monthly obligations to the Air National Guard, splits every second of his free time between managing a political campaign on the inside and fronting it on the outside. The WilsonforCincy.com homepage is now a blog that Rob updates almost daily as evidence of his commitment to the community as well as a public record of his concerns and opinions.
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As a campaign committee, those of us behind Rob have done only a fraction of the work he has. When he does delegate responsibilities, he really allows his campaign persons the room to exercise their respective expertise. While working with those who are more qualified his input steers the campaign in whatever direction he sees appropriate. As his Senior Writer, along with being the Treasurer, I have worked with Rob as much as anyone. He continually understands my concerns from a journalistic perspective while offering valuable insight into the direction of the work. He also works closely with the designers to ensure that his website and printed materials are professional as well as functional.
At this point his age seems to be his biggest criticism. At 21-years-old, people are reluctant to take him seriously at first. During this year’s campaign, however, we have found that it takes very little time around him for others to respect and admire his passion and fortitude. He accepts the criticism of his age well though. When asked why people should support him instead of the other candidates he responds both playfully and seriously, “I’m not here to play politics.” |
And he’s definitely not a politician. He’s too emotional. He wears his heart on his sleeve. His sincerity is remarkably evident when he shakes someone’s hand or explains to a stranger how he thinks that no one has a right to complain about something if they’re not making any attempt to fix it. He’s an excellent model of what a citizen should be. He’s educated, concerned, and proactive. The main reason his team of volunteers has worked so hard for him is the example he sets. By simply attending community council meetings in various neighborhoods Rob has single-handedly collected half the necessary signatures to put his name on the ballot while at the same time interacting with the communities and listening to their concerns.
His platform focuses on impeding the cycle of lost business and neighborhood blight by improving education, creating business opportunities, and strengthening morale. He doesn’t claim to have an end-all solution to Cincinnati’s problems. He wanted to focus on the idea that we can change the programs that aren’t working and also stick new programs into the interconnected problems of the city. He has focused all along on attracting business here to create a prosperous metropolitan area. A revamped economy will provide the necessary tax revenue to improve city life – education, safety, and transportation. The improved city life will then spur even more economic growth.
During this campaign it has become obvious that Rob has all the makings of a future Cincinnati leader. He has been more dedicated to his campaign than I can imagine any other candidate has been to his or hers. Further than his work ethic, his ideals are grounded in both theory and practice – something I believe Cincinnatians appreciate. He’s an advocate of more progressive public transportation ideas and also of increased support for the police force. He worries about losing business to Kentucky and that Cincinnati’s smaller neighborhoods are losing their voices when it comes to politics. He is an impressive combination of what Cincinnati is and what it should be in the future.
For those interested in a first-hand look at the Rob Wilson campaign, Rob will announce his candidacy at Churchill’s Friday, May 6 at a fundraising event that will last from 6 – 8 p.m. Tea and appetizers will be provided and the event is open to anyone interested in meeting Rob or learning about the campaign. Churchill’s is located at 28 W. 4th St. inside the Tower Place Mall. Contact the campaign website, www.wilsonforcincy.com, for further Rob Wilson information.
"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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