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| Photo courtesy of: Donkey Hotey. |
When you
compare and contrast tax levy campaigns against personal election
campaigns- it’s no wonder most levy’s fail. Yes, its true economic times are
tough and our income has suffered dramatically over the last few years. The
problem magnifies when a tax levy is often presented as “dire” and “urgent”
necessities, yet the campaign methods are weak, impersonal and non-transparent.
Some of the
money spent on levy campaigns could be better spent elsewhere!
The Drive
When running
for office, candidates often travel door-to-door asking for your vote. This
gives the voter the opportunity to ask questions, listen to views and meet the
candidate. The marketing is personal, up-close and clearly shows the
willingness of the candidate “to go the extra mile” for your vote.
I recall years
ago, former Ohio State/Cleveland Brown’s player, Dick Schafrath, knocked on my
Mother’s door. Mr. Schafrath’s driver had dropped him off in the neighborhood
and the driver was late returning to pick-up the candidate.
After a
short conversation asking for her vote, Dick asked her for a glass of water and
wondered if she would mind, if he waited under a shade tree for his ride? My
Mother gave him a cold glass of iced tea and a lawn chair to wait in the shade
on a very hot day. Mr. Schafrath commented on how well the iced tea tasted.
Who do you think she voted for?
The Fumble
The
difference in seeking levy approval is
instead of a personal commitment
towards the taxpayers, we get to read the overtures for money in newspapers,
local TV, radio, signs and (everyone’s
favorite) junk mail.
Not exactly
an openly transparent marketing method to instill confidence. No chance to ask
a question or feel the merits of voting. Threats are often used to seek the
passage of a levy and have eroded our trust in elected officials.
The Shot
Sure candidates
use some of the same media tactics when running for office. However, nothing
sends a stronger message to a local community when given a personal invitation
to interact closely.
If you can’t
go door-to-door and/or reach out publicly with open neighborhood meetings the
common voter views the request as a money grab.
Give the
voters the opportunity with all the cards
on the table.
Pulling a
community together, bringing new ideas
forth might be the best and cheapest levy marketing campaign in recent years.
Heck, a
promise to not litter our mailboxes
with junk mail might rally a few
votes!
Until
We Meet Again,
Jim Carver
Jim Carver
Author: The Legacy of David A. Wells- The Lexington High School
“Band of Gold”
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
Something Meaningful that Matters!
www.successthroughmusic.com
Disclaimer- Books and links on this website contain affiliate marketing sources between Jim Carver and third party companies. I only recommend products, brands and businesses that I strongly support. Photos used on this site are used courtesy of the original authors and in no way endorse The Rust Belt Chronicles or my work. Thank you.
