What You've Taught Me: Thoughts on the Campaign Trail

Election Day. It's not about hope, or promises, or candidates, or issues. It's about you, your family, and our city.

I've never been more proud to live here--and proud of you--than I am right now, as a candidate for City Council in the greatest city in America.

I've knocked on your doors, met you on the pier, shaken your hands at Farmers Markets, handed you flyers on our streets. I've heard your stories and concerns, your ideas and hopes, for the future of Santa Monica. I've loved every minute of this journey, and I've never been more sure and optimistic about our future. Because of you.

It's the same feeling I had back in June when I entered the race, only now it's stronger and clearer than before. You inspire me. So many of you  took a minute to hear my message of change for the better, of principles not politics, of putting people first. You joined my campaign, offered encouragement, and told me what you believe in. You've said you believe, as I do, that our Santa Monica, the most politically engaged and progressive city in the nation, can unite, aim higher, and accomplish anything by working together.  I know we can and I know we will because of you.

Santa Monica faces many challenges. There are people who want to profit from it. Forces that want to change it for their benefit. There will always be obstacles. But if someone like me, a journalist and a teacher who cares about people, can run the right kind of grassroots campaign for the right reasons, it says a lot more about you and our future than it will ever say about me.

And this has been a grassroots campaign. When you see one of my yard signs, it was put there with the permission of someone like you. If you found one of my flyers on your door, I or one of my volunteers put it there. No paid consultants. No polling. No hired-gun canvassers. No developer money. Not now or ever. Just people like you, giving small donations, plenty of passion, and hope for the future.

I've talked with a mom concerned for the safety of her kids in our parks... helped a senior citizen worried about her very frail friend... and just this week helped a young man on a bike who got hit by a car and tried my best to console a man who had lost his wife only hours before.   

Those stories and your stories move me. I've listened to you and I've learned from you. The most important thing I've learned is that you care deeply about Santa Monica and want a City Council that cares as much as you do. I do care. You want people in City Hall who will protect our city and guide it with vision. I will. You want Council members who will put aside pet projects and focus on real solutions to real problems. I can.

I will make schools, kids, seniors, neighborhoods and safety my priorities, because they are your priorities. I'll work for responsible development, because I will work for you. I'll help us find solutions to the traffic congestion and parking problems that choke our city, because that's what you want. If you elect me to the City Council, I will always have your back and be in your corner. I'll make sure you have a voice in the decisions that shape Santa Monica's future.

I'm John C. Smith... Common name, common sense, for ALL of Santa Monica. It's more than a slogan. It's who I am, what I stand for, and who I'll represent, every day I serve as a member of your City Council.

Thank you for this incredible journey. Now, get out and vote, and let's get to work. We live in a wonderful city. I'll do everything I can to keep it that way and make it even better. For you.