Four years ago, as a complete unknown, I jumped into the primary race for Illinois State Representative in District 50. Lessons learned four years ago made me a better candidate for Mayor of Geneva in 2013. The biggest lessons learned were; you need MOM and incumbents have a major advantage.
Let me explain:
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MOM stands for Message, Organization, Money. You can win with Message & Organization but Money makes things a bit easier. In 2009, I didn’t have Money or Organization. While the Message was clear, my opponents forced me to spend time fighting just to remain on the ballot. In 2013, the message stayed the same, the Organization was amazing and the Money, while limited, was spent wisely.
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Incumbents having a major advantage that can’t be ignored. First, they have the advantage of already being in office, having name recognition and knowing all of the “players.” They have contributors who will provide the funds. Most of all, they can say almost anything without documenting it. The newspapers urge new faces to run for office and then almost exclusively “endorse” the incumbent. Why? Because it is the easier thing to do and change is scary to some. The safe bet is that the incumbent will win. If the challenger wins, they will work with the newspapers forgetting the non-endorsement.
In December 2012, when I announced my run for Mayor, I was the undeniable underdog. There had been no challenger in 8 years! Having been born in Philly, being the underdog is natural. An underdog understands their limitations and takes advice from those savvier in the world of politics. I have spoken with and taken advice from some top- notch individuals who agree with my message. The number 1 priority of a Mayor is to listen to the voters and always act in their best interest. The role Mayor is not a cheerleader, chief executive officer or ambassador of the city. Quite simply, the Mayor of Geneva is a voice for all residents to ensure the best possible services are offered at an affordable cost. Over the past four years, I have proven I will speak out on very difficult but vital community topics. Whether I’m the next Mayor or not, I will continue to speak out on things that are important to the residents of Geneva.
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As the end of the campaign approaches, it is time to take this opportunity to thank those that have made the last three months some of the most enjoyable of my life.
Thanks to
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Mayor Burns for 12 years of service as Mayor of Geneva
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The residents of Geneva who have taken the time to attend a forum, town hall or answer their door to my volunteers and me.
The 200 property owners who have placed a yard sign on their property
The more than 50 volunteers who walked every area of the city in support of our message
The individuals that generously contributed financially to our campaign
Sandy Ellis and Catherine Johnston for accepting the challenge of being my co-chairs
Susan and Les Dixon, Nancy & Rich Hayhurst and Mike Foote for taking on the unbelievable task of organizing “boots on the street” volunteers walking more than 5,000 houses
Christine Bourdage for handling the creation and development of all our marketing material
Barry Bourdage for sharing his marketing genius
Eve LaRoca for just being Eve LaRoca
The GenevaTaxFACTS group for becoming activists for the Geneva Community
The Geneva Patch, Geneva TaxFACTS and League of Women Voters for hosting public forums
The professional staff of the city of Geneva for what they accomplish on a daily basis
Maggie, our golden retriever, who was my best friend for 10 years. You taught me what unconditional love is and I miss you more every day.
Tom, Jenny, Andrew and Kerrilyn McQuillan for becoming the intelligent, hard working adults that make me proud every day to have you call me Dad
Alison McQuillan, my 2 year old granddaughter who has stolen my heart and taught me the wonder of being a little child all over again
And finally to the love of my life for more than 38 years, Karen McQuillan. Thanks for changing my life forever in September of 1975. Who would have thought you climbing a fire escape, jumping from one roof to another and climbing through a guy’s bedroom window to get into a college party would have led to a lifetime of wonderful memories, three fantastic children and you becoming my best friend. As you always say, “everything happens for a reason.”
No matter the results of Tuesday’s election, the sun will always shine on the community of Geneva, and Karen and I will always be grateful for the things Geneva has given our family.
Warmest wishes for a bright future for Geneva, IL
Bob McQuillan
Geneva, IL
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