I have learned a lot of things during my campaign.  I have also noticed things about other candidates, kind of reoccurring themes of how candidates conduct themselves.  One thing was this: At public forums with many candidates it seems like it is a competition to see who can say "jobs and the economy" the most.  They might not have ideas, plans or a strategy for how the government can foster a climate that increases job creation or economic development but if they say "jobs and the economy" enough maybe they will get elected.  Now to be fair, I would put myself in the camp of candidates without a comprehensive plan or strategy for job creation but I have plenty of ideas. 

Another thing I noticed is that candidates may be hesitant to put forward ideas they may have in a public setting.  One reason for this might be that proposing ideas that have not gone through a proper vetting process might not be the best idea and few people want to be thought of as the one with the bad ideas.  My personal opinion: Ideas are cheap!  If something comes to mind that has some merit shout it out!  Maybe only a portion of the idea has some worth but if it is never proposed we would have missed out on that good portion. 

I've aways been a walking thought bubble voicing potential solutions, innovative ideas or whatever happens to be on my mind at that time.  I encourage others, especially elected officials, to voice their thoughts to those around them.  Elected officials have a pubic platform to speak on, what a great way to get new thoughts, ideas and initiatives into the general public! 

I hope I have encouraged you to let your thoughts be heard, no matter how good or bad they turn out to be.

Owen Casas

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