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Putting myself on the line: Running for school board... again... Conway, MO

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri

I probably shouldn't admit this... but it is what it is. I'm running for the Laclede County R-1 school board . . . again.

This will be my third try.

I've heard all sorts of things in my quest to serve on the school board. The most popular comment:

You're not from here. You're an OUTSIDER.

I've lived in the Conway, MO area since January 2000. I was born and raised out side of Chicago; my kids were born there as well. No matter what I do, how long I live here, I will never be from Missouri. Neither will my kids.

But, I think of myself as an INSIDER.

  • I own my own business. In fact I have two local offices.
  • I volunteer at the school - I have a neat little title: Practical Parenting Partnership Coordinator. I'm in charge of the PPP (Aren't you jealous! The head P)
  • I've been elected to the Laclede County Extension Council.
  • I've volunteered and helped 4-H, Girl Scouts and the Phillipsburg Community Development Council

I feel strongly that South Central Missouri offers my family a wonderful quality of life. It offers my family opportunities we wouldn't have in the Chicago-land area.

I feel strongly that it is my obligation to give back to my community. I want to serve on the school board. I want to help make a difference.

We will see, this coming Tuesday, April 8th if the community will allow an OUTSIDER to serve on the school board.

 

Conway logo


UPDATE: Wednesday, April 9th, 2008

There were three spots open, each for three year terms.
After all four counties were counted, I came in fourth.
I've had a few thoughts, that are probably best left off the world wide web! <G>
Suffice it to say, Conway, MO doesn't seem ready to allow an "outsider" on their school board.
Everyone currently sitting on the board was born and raised here.
IMHO, it' their loss.
Posted by

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Comments(13)

Laurie Logan
Keller Williams Realty, Inc., Broker Associate - Madison, WI
South Central WI Real Estate

Debbie,

Congratulations! on your decision and your persistence. 

Your passion and commitment will carry you through. When elected, you will do a terrific job! It takes folks several tries to get on the school board here.  Keep us posted...

Apr 02, 2008 02:57 PM
Jesse Clifton
Jesse Clifton & Associates - Fairbanks, AK
Debbie - You know what they say... third time is the charm!  I think it's admirable that you are seeking to become involved.  Good luck!
Apr 02, 2008 06:25 PM
TeamCHI - Complete Home Inspections, Inc.
Complete Home Inspections, Inc. - Brentwood, TN
Home Inspectons - Nashville, TN area - 615.661.029
Debbie, Good luck on your decision. I hope that they will allow the outsider now an insider to be on the Board. Let us know the outcome.
Apr 02, 2008 09:19 PM
Debbie DiFonzo
Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri - Lebanon, MO
Lebanon MO and Buffalo Missouri Real Estate

Laurie - Thanks for your support - Ever since my children started school I've wanted to be on the school board. I'll keep you updated!

I appreciate your kind words Jesse & Kathy! I'm hoping you're right - # 3 will be lucky!

Michael - Someone stopped me at the post office this morning. They said they felt good about my winning this time. Said the community was ready for "an outside point of view!" I just laughed!

Apr 03, 2008 01:58 PM
Kathy Clulow
Uxbridge, ON
Trusted For Experience - Respected For Results

Debbie -Don't you just love it - I live in a rural agricultural/commuter based community and if you were't born here you will likley never be one of the locals

"Patience is a virtue that carries a lot of "wait""

Keep on trying one voice does make a difference

Apr 03, 2008 02:41 PM
Debbie DiFonzo
Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri - Lebanon, MO
Lebanon MO and Buffalo Missouri Real Estate

Love it Kathy!  I've never heard that particular saying but it is appropriate. Patience is not one of my strongest virtues but as I get older I'm getting the hang of it. Maybe it's not age, maybe it's circumstances... that sounds like a whole new post! <G>

Apr 04, 2008 02:20 PM
Gary White~Grand Rapids Home Selling Pro Call: 616-821-9375
Flexit Realty "Flexible Home Selling Solutions" - Grand Rapids, MI
Real Estate Services You can Trust!

Debbie, Congratulations and good luck to you on your decision to run for the school board.  Hope it works out this time for you.

 

Apr 08, 2008 08:06 AM
Debbie DiFonzo
Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri - Lebanon, MO
Lebanon MO and Buffalo Missouri Real Estate
Thanks Gary. Today is D-Day -the election. We'll see... it's raining here and turnout is going to be low.
Apr 08, 2008 09:31 AM
Lisa Hill
Florida Property Experts - Daytona Beach, FL
Daytona Beach Real Estate
I think you're demonstrating the signs that your clients should look for in a REALTOR(r). You never give up! So I say, good job! If you feel strongly about something, you shouldn't take "no" for an answer. You should share this story with everyone you know, and let them know that you use this same personality trait when you're negotiating for your clients =)
Apr 08, 2008 02:40 PM
Greg Hampton
Re/Max Around The Mountains - Blue Ridge, GA
North Georgia Mountain Property,Blue Rid
sometimes it really matters to people if you were a local born and raised! I know it doesn't sound right but that is the way some people are. I ran for school board in Fannin Co. Georgia and I am a local and won over another local. So who knows if you want to do go for it!
Apr 09, 2008 04:01 AM
Debbie DiFonzo
Debbie DiFonzo - United Country VIP Realty, SW Missouri - Lebanon, MO
Lebanon MO and Buffalo Missouri Real Estate

Lisa - Love your spin on this! I do feel strongly about the schools and I normally don't take "no" easily. This may be a first.

Greg - Just wondering Greg if you have any "non-locals" on your school board? Anyone not raised in the area?

 

 

Apr 09, 2008 10:07 AM
Greg Hampton
Re/Max Around The Mountains - Blue Ridge, GA
North Georgia Mountain Property,Blue Rid

I made a mistake there is one older man that did get on the school board. He had been very active and did the walking door to door asking for their votes He isn't going to run another term he wants to go for county commissioner now.

Apr 09, 2008 01:01 PM
Heather Salazar
United Country Stevenson Realty / AAA Property Management - Alturas, CA
I am sorry Debbie.  I ran for school board a few years ago and was not elected.  I was the girl scout leader, on the PTO and school site council but all the things the teachers said they supported they voted against when it came to endorsements.  I won't do it again, but I admire you for doing so.  I guess I do have to say my age probably had something to do with it too.  I hadn't even celebrated my 10 year class reunion yet, but in my mind, being a recent graduate and having a child in the district made me that much more qualified.  Get em next time girl friend!
Apr 21, 2008 04:18 PM