Election 2006 - Shane Bemis Wins
Gresham Outlook Announcement of Shane’s Victory
It was quite the celebration as my cousin, Shane Bemis, won his mayoral campaign in Gresham Oregon. Unlike here in Montana with our senatorial campaign, his did not include the attack ads and bashing which was a breath of fresh air for “the people” and likely further secured his victory. Congrats Shane! 
On the note of “attack ads” and “smear campaigns”, I’d like to take a moment and share this link: Gresham Outlook Letters to Editor - scroll down to the last post. I believe that reader’s comments sum up the voters’ point-of-view with the type of campaigning we’ve seen here in Montana with our senatorial race.
In discussing with a friend yesterday, we agreed that the race might not be so close had Jon Tester not lowered himself to Conrad Burns’ level and simply kept quiet about his opponent and focused on what he plans to do for Montana. You’ll read in that last letter that Shane did exactly that and “the people” have spoken. Great campaign! Great guy! Great leader! I’m sure the “great website” was the deciding factor, of course (ha ha) but glad I could help.
(1 votes, average: 5 out of 5)
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November 8th, 2006 at 11:30 am
RE-POSTED FROM GRESHAM OUTLOOK LETTERS TO EDITOR (LINK ABOVE):
Voters are sick of dirty politics
What if an election were held, and nobody voted? Is that what it’s going to come down to before candidates finally “get” that we are sick to death of smear campaigns? That we don’t care if someone’s family member did something umpteen years ago? That it doesn’t matter if someone changed their mind? Oh, the horror in that! It might mean they actually thought about something. It’s downright pathetic to see otherwise rational human beings become petty, mean and spiteful individuals. Is that their true self? They should know it’s the image we’ll remember most.
When will it finally be understood that what we need are leaders who want to do the best they can do for as many people as possible, and not just a few special interest groups? When will candidates spend more time talking about what they will do, instead of what their opponent won’t? How many millions of dollars were spent on, “He said this, and she said that” ads? Listen up, future candidates. This may come as a huge surprise, but most of us do not care! Seriously, we have not become so stupid that we can’t listen, ask questions and then decide for ourselves.
When I marked my ballot last week, if I’d had to choose between Minnis and Brading, I would have left it blank. For all the weeks of bashing and attempts to “one up” each another, it was amazing to see them finally hit equal status – juvenile schoolyard bully.
The only spot I marked with no hesitation was that of Shane Bemis for mayor of Gresham. His silence about his opponent throughout the campaign spoke volumes about his character. He never once questioned or insulted the intelligence of the people he wants to lead. By not wasting his or the voter’s time with personal attacks, we actually got to learn about his vision and ideas for the future of Gresham.
When I began writing this, it was not intended to be an endorsement, but it is what it is. Leading by example is powerful. Which example do you prefer?
Debbie Wingate
Gresham
November 21st, 2006 at 8:13 pm
Mike,
Thank you so much for all the work you did for my website. The site was very popular with citizens. I had many positive comments on how easy the site was to navigate. As in all campaigns, the site needed to be done “yeaterday” ,and you got it done. I appreciate all your hard work!
Best Regards,
Shane
November 21st, 2006 at 8:19 pm
Hey Shane, or should I say Mayor?
My pleasure and glad I could help. It was nice to get back to the basics and whip together a clean, professional site. With the great copy and ideas from Karylinn, it made is a snap and a pleasure.
Keep me posted on how things develop and I’ll let you know when I’m in town. We’ll have to hit Pioneer Square (echo spot) at 2am again.
Best,
Mike