Everyone's Opinion Newsletter

The PA Leadership Conference in Harrisburg I attended last March for the Campaign and Candidates class seems like years ago instead of months. I was trying to get the best grasp possible to see what it would take to win a seat on the Altoona City Council. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy, however, I learned quickly on that day that it was going to be a tough task. Unsuccessful candidates from all over the Commonwealth who ran in previous elections stood up one by one at different times during the classes and tried to explain how things went dreadfully wrong in their respective campaigns. The fear of losing stuck with me until about 10:00pm on November 3rd when the final numbers came in showing a victory for the Citizens For Dave team (and believe me, it was a team effort to say the least!).

The thought of making too many rookie mistakes constantly bothered me. If you haven’t figured it out by now I am somewhat competitive. What’s the best type of handout? What’s the best way to handle the press? When do I start going door to door? Which neighborhood do I start my door to door work in? When is the best time to put out yard signs? Things I never had to concern myself with before became everyday decisions. The kicker in the matter is that I was confident I could do a good job on Council. However, the hurdle of the election was the part that had me concerned.

Leaving the radio gig to run for office was my first tough decision. I enjoyed my time with the folks at WRTA. Thankfully the process allowed me to meet some great folks and make friends that will last a lifetime including the other candidates in the race. One of the greatest blessings of the past summer was getting to know Michael Haire, Jason Ibrahim (my fellow Republican Candidates) and their families. These guys are great community minded men and worked very hard throughout the summer and fall. We encouraged each other to keep at it no matter how tired we got. Michael and I would talk about every evening concerning what we did or what ground we covered that day.

The Primary Election went well and was a good springboard into the summer. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Lois Kanishiki (President of The Blair County Republican Women) for setting up the “meet the candidates” events. Primary Election Day was good practice for most of the people that worked polls for me because this was the first time they ever got involved in a political campaign. We all did double duty by asking folks to vote for me and also for Joy Foreman for Jury Commissioner.

Monday July 6th, (the day after the Tea Party Picnic) I started going door to door in East Juniata. I enjoyed the opportunity to meet folks and discuss the issues. In August I was making my way through Garden Heights. It will be a long time before I forget those 90 degree Saturdays hiking the hills to meet supervoters. From Labor Day to Election Day I think I ate dinner with Councilman Bill Schirf more than with my own family. We always seemed to show up at events at the same time. Whether it was hotdogs and kraut, hamburgers or whatever was being served our new Mayor (Mayoral candidate at the time) was there when I was so we had nice conversations. The last three weeks leading up to November third were a blur.

I am thankful for the folks on the Blair County Republican Committee who worked hard for all the GOP candidates. A.C. Stickel, (Chairman of the Committee) was very supportive and always willing to offer advice and help throughout the process. Michael, Jason and I were all at the Faith Baptist Church polling place right until 8:00 pm on Election night. We encouraged one another to the end.

I would like to thank Jeff Neff and the EON staff for offering the candidates websites and a forum to get the message out to the people of Central PA. EON is a vital part of the political process and a forum that gives all the opportunity to have a voice.

I would like to thank the voters for electing me to Altoona City Council and I’m looking forward to working for the people of our city. Now the real work begins.

Dave Butterbaugh

Altoona City Councilman