don's report archive
Wellness in the Headlines
(Don's Report to the World)
Monday October 7, 2002
This is a continuation of my essay from Friday, October 4, about my campaign strategies for winning the office of mayor of Tampa. At present, there are twenty separate initiatives in this run for office. I already described seven -- here are seven more.
Strategy Eight: Use stunts consistent with the fit city theme!
I will soon set up a treadmill and/or a bike trainer on one of our main thoroughfares (Bayshore Boulevard) and elsewhere in Tampa during the commuter and rush hours. Why not exercise and be seen by voters? This is a variation on and, in my view, a big improvement on the long "standing" tradition of candidates who stand idly along a roadside, waving and looking goofy, as cars pass. I may look goofy (hope not) but will at least be modeling what I'm promoting -- a fitter citizenry. There might even be a few photo ops for voters with signs that read, "A Fitter Tampa - Ardell's Running For You!" Supporters may even be enlisted to do the same with signs on varied corners ("Helping Ardell Run For You.") It would be even cooler if I could figure a way to rig a treadmill that would illuminate a sign as I run on it -- this would lend an energy efficiency message to the stunt.
Strategy Nine: Give talks to service clubs -- for delivery while running on a portable treadmill!
Most clubs have never had a speaker address their group while running on a treadmill. I am the only candidate for mayor of Tampa capable of doing such a thing without the need for a defibrillator on hand. My advisors tell me the Rotary Club and other club members will talk about such a presentation with their associates and family. Good -- but will they vote for me? In any case, it should be another way to promote fitness AND stay fit while RUNNING for mayor. Isn't politics a hoot?
Strategy Ten: Show the people what taxpayers pay to support spectator sports!
I will develop a large-scale display photo to dramatize just one example of the disconnect between public interest values and powerful special interests. This might be a visual of some kind that juxtaposes the taxpayer-funded Raymond James football stadium where the NFL Buccaneers play with a portable classroom and asks, "Can a city that invests more in spectator sports than education really be well?"
Strategy Eleven: Emphasize planning as well as health!
Incorporate urban planning into the wellness theme. Attention will be drawn to the fact that I hold a master's degree in city and regional planning and have had many years of experience dealing with land use, transportation, water and other infrastructure challenges and innovations.
Strategy Twelve: Emphasize a positive, clean campaign!
This has been done all along and several position papers on such a theme are part of my record and available for distribution.
Strategy Thirteen: Conduct research!
Based on past elections, I'll estimate the number of votes needed to win and how much money is required to reach this number of voters Funds will be managed accordingly. My campaign will be a model of fiscal conservatism, which, if I'm elected, is exactly how I will manage taxpayer dollars as mayor. A good part of the effort will take the form of an e-mail and web based campaign.
Strategy Fourteen: Identify elements of the current administration's program I can endorse!
I favor the Mayor's efforts to promote commercial and civic vitality in the Channelside, Ybor City, Franklin Street and Downtown Cultural districts. I would like to see more bike paths and walking trails stretching from the Florida Aquarium to the Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, as well as cafes and other pedestrian friendly attractions that add vitality and interest, as well as opportunities for relaxation and refreshments all along the way.
The final six strategies will be listed tomorrow. What do you think so far? Does it sound as if I'm going to win in a landslide, do you sense a close race, or am I going to be sent packing by the voters of Tampa? I welcome your comments, and any additional strategies you might want to recommend. Until tomorrow, stay well and look on the bright side.
(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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