Missing Diamond in the Rough Finding a Good Candidate

“In solving a problem of this sort, the grand thing is to be able to reason backward.” Step 1: What Office needs to be filled? What Skills does the Candidate need? What goals do you have for the Office?

Now We Know What We Are Looking For

Rules of Thumb Look First at the IN-House Candidates Promote the Most Wise Person You Can Find Remember "past behavior is the best predictor of future behavior”

“It may be that you are not yourself luminous, but that you are a conductor of light. Some people without possessing genius have a remarkable power of stimulating it.” Step 2: Where can I find someone to match the Office and the Skill Set needed in the Office?

Be Observant & Listen

Where to Look! Business Community Servants Successful Business Owners Productive Employees Retired Individuals Community Servants Chamber President or Active Member Church Leader PTO Leaders Community Board Members

Where to Look! Politically Active Military Members in Local Political Groups Attends Many Meetings Takes on Leadership Roles Military Disciplined Patriotic Mission & Goal Oriented

“It is my business to know what other people do not know.” Step 3: Check Candidate Background Qualifications – Do they check out? Education Work Community Service Genuine Interest in People Understand Human Nature Friends/Enemies What does Candidate have more of? Basis for Either Lina Guerrero – UT grad not

“Education never ends, Watson “Education never ends, Watson. It is a series of lessons, with the greatest for the last.” Build the Farm Team Recruit New Leaders Encourage New People to be Involved Work with Leaders in the Community Give Everyone a Job - Keep Involved

Every Office is IMPORTANT! SCHOOL BOARDS run our schools CITY COUNCIL determines our community structure. COUNTY COMMISSIONERS are in charge of the unincorporated areas. WATER DISTRICTS protect our precious resources. APPRAISAL DISTRICT BOARDS operate the valuation basis for governmental entities.

“The Game is Afoot.” Step 4: Provide the Candidate with Support. Finance Advice Enthusiasm Help make Connections Organizing

Finance Fundraising Often the most Daunting aspect for Candidate. a. Campaign Kickoff Party & Fundraisers Help organize and encourage others to participate. One on One Solicitations Set up some sure donations. Get Candidate off on the right foot.

Technical - Assist with Ethics Ethics Compliance a. Be Aware of All Entities that require reporting for the race. Check with the City, County or entity you are filed with. See Secretary of State www.sos.state.tx.us/ See Texas Ethics Commission www.ethics.state.tx.us/ b. Submit Required Forms Print out the Ethics Commission or other entity Instructions/Reports Fill out the forms. Have the Candidate review. Submit reports. c. Remember the Campaign Finance disclosures on all printed material and internet postings.

Mystery Diamond Facets THEME: “Own the message; Own the office” PERSONAL TOUCH: “Win their heart; Win the vote” WORK ETHIC: “Committed Candidate; Committed Volunteers” TRADEMARK: “Unforgettable Look, Unforgettable Candidate”

Enthusiasm With Your Voice and Presence Encourage The Candidate Help Form the Team Campaign Manager Scheduler Volunteer Coordinator Get Out the Vote

Connections Who Does Your Candidate Need to Know? What Meetings Does Your Candidate Need to go To? Where Should Your Candidate Spend Her Time? What Relationships Does Your Candidate Need to Develop Prior to Election? Who Can Help Your Candidate, Either with Elections or With Some Other Aspect?

“Big Picture, Little Details” Organizing For the Win! Goal: Getting Elected Required: More Votes in Ballot Box Use the Talent Around the Candidate Use recourse – RPT website, Schools

Mystery Solved “Elementary My Dear Watson”