don's report archive

by Donald B. Ardell, Ph. D.

Wellness in the Headlines
(Don's Report to the World)

I am not a politician, and my other habits are good. Artemus Ward, 4th of July Oration (1866)

Having good ideas is one thing for any political office seeker; having a viable campaign strategy is something else again. Without the latter, a candidate, even if the "oldest/fittest, fastest and prettiest," will not gain enough attention, excite enough of the masses and energize enough of the voters to win the election. The successful candidate must raise citizen hopes and expectations and convince people that their city will be appreciably better if he is elected. As a candidate for mayor on a wellness platform, even those not in Tampa or even Florida for that matter may have an interest in the strategies selected to promote prospects of success in my run for mayor. This update describes my campaign strategy. I hope it will be of interest to other wellness promoters, even those who would never dream of doing anything so grandiose and uppity as running for mayor!

Strategy One: Stand out!

My number one strategy from the start has been to stand out from the other candidates as the wellness person, the guy who wants to make the city well and "fit, fun, free and functional." Standing out from the others has not been difficult. I am truly a "fresh face" in Tampa politics (read "totally inexperienced with no connections to the power players!") In addition, other features of my run for mayor are different from politics as usual in Tampa, or just about anywhere else. These include a focus on the public -- not the special interests and, of course, the many specific ideas for Tampa described in the AWRs, the SeekWellness website and public statements at debates and "meet the candidate" socials. In fact, there are no fewer than 22 essays available to voters at all times at "SeekWellness.com" providing 100 or more positions, goals and commitments that I will promote if elected. Expect at least as many additional statements about programs and plans in the months to come. Stand out? I'm a beacon in the night, baby!

Strategy Two: Get the word out!

A candidate must get the word (many words, actually) out about who he is and why he deserves support. He must generate momentum, build enthusiasm and do the things that will enable a win in March. Many elements of the campaign already underway or in the planning stage are almost guaranteed to have that effect. The latest initiatives along these lines entail a new website ("ElectDonArdell.org!" coming soon to a computer near you) and meetings with local characters of well repute (former mayors).

Strategy Three: Go national!

Enlist health and wellness enthusiasts throughout the country in the campaign. Many articles have already been written about my efforts to apply wellness ideas and perspectives to the political arena in Tampa. Channel this attention by establishing a regular information process of campaign updates, seeking ideas and contributions of all kinds from national health promotion interests.

Strategy Four: Highlight a commitment to the common decencies!

A recent (9/28/02) poll published in the St. Petersburg Times revealed that "a candidate's ethics" is the number one factor that guides voters in their choice for mayor. No less than 84% percent of respondents listed this quality as "most important." I plan to express a commitment to the common decencies (altruism, integrity, cooperation, mutual respect and honesty.) I'll also discuss ideas regarding character, accountability, tolerance, trustworthiness and dependability.

Strategy Five: Get noticed!

This has been difficult so far for several reasons, prime among them being the fact that the mayoral election is not scheduled until March 4, versus the gubernatorial and all other races in November and the fact that, unlike the other candidates, I have not raised large sums of money. In fact, I have not attempted to raise money in large OR small amounts, but I intend to begin doing so in October. (See next item.) For starters, we are distributing very attractive T-shirts to friends, runners, triathletes, former girlfriends, etc -- for a modest contribution.

Strategy Six: Seek contributions!

An "Elect Don Ardell Mayor" account has been opened and modestly funded at a local bank. Beginning this month (October), small donors who are excited by and otherwise supportive of my platform will be asked to contribute a modest sum ($20, for instance.) All will be given a gorgeous T-shirt, already produced and ready for distribution. Even if a contributor can afford but a dollar -- we'll take it (!), as this contribution will give the individual a sense of ownership to the campaign. We would like as many as possible to share ownership of this campaign, as well as having lots of walking and running billboards wearing the official shirt.

Since all contributors are listed on the official county supervisor of elections website, the names will demonstrate depth and scope of support in varied communities and the kind of interests (regular citizen types) who support the program. A large number of supporters willing to be counted in this manner will add credibility as well as financial strength to the endeavor.

Strategy Seven: Ask for votes!

Ask people to look over the campaign issues and, if in accord with the goals and programs, vote for me. Seems like a simple notion but my advisors insist that many people are never asked. A vote is free for the giver and, of course, means more than money to the candidate.

Seven more will be posted Monday. Till then, stay well and always look on the bright side of life.

(Ed. Note: Views expressed in this and other columns are those of the author and not necessarily those of the SeekWellness Editorial Board.)

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