Good Old Boy, Gloria Shakespeare

It is always interesting how elections get framed. In the recent St. George City Council election, the three losing candidates worked hard to make it an election to throw out the good old boys. Mind you, none of the six candidates in the November election was an incumbent – but since when does truth matter in campaigns?

This guy’s blog post illustrates the nonsense that was circulated. I love that Gloria Shakespeare is a “good old boy.” First, as her name suggests, she’s a very girlish good old boy. Second, she is a democrat (not exactly the power group in Washington County politics). And, third, as for her good old boy activities as “the volunteer head of the neighborhood enhancement committee,” that is just about the most precious thing I’ve ever heard.

The point of Gloria’s “neighborhood enhancement committee” was specifically to take on the city council, home builders, businesses, and anyone and everyone else who – in Gloria’s opinion – proposed things that might harm the downtown neighborhoods. Gloria cozies up to those powerful interests, like Ali cozied up to Frazier.

The reason Gloria enjoys success – in taking on tough interests and in her election – is that she doesn’t defame and belittle people along the way. She doesn’t say that people she opposes are corrupt or evil. She understands that they simply have different interests and opinions. She then works to change their minds, learn from them, and – with them – improve the community around her. Her goal isn't to work against others; instead, it is to work for positive outcomes.

As for the blogger’s opinion that this election presented a unique choice between two opposing camps, that is simply wrong. Just about every election down here has someone who has been involved in the community and wants to build on the good foundation we have been given and someone who hasn’t done much to better the community but wants to tear up everything by the roots (always backed by Larry Meyers and the several acronymic groups he runs out of his basement).

Urquhart is not one of the pioneer names. I moved to St. George in 1994, and was elected to the Legislature six years later. Obviously, the hurdle to get into the good old boys club is pretty low. I’ll let you in on the secret requirements:

1. Be a boy. Or a girl.
2. Be a pioneer descendant. Or not.
3. Work to better the community in some way.

Obviously, the third requirement – work – is the only one that matters. There are so many needs and opportunities in St. George. And there are so many formal and informal ways to get involved. Just like female, democrat, rabblerousing Gloria Shakespeare, everyone in St. George can be a good old boy, if they will get off their duffs and engage in positive activities.