Patience. If you have an interest or endeavor that sticks with you more than a few years, you're bound to learn it. Stay longer and it becomes perseverance. Sometimes it's enough to be involved somewhere in the larger process. Certainly, when opportunity knocks (again) and you're well-seasoned at your craft, the challenges are sweeter and more rich.
Mark Takano's first bid to represent Riverside's district in the U.S. House was in 1992 (he lost to Ken Calvert by 500 or so votes after State Assemblyman Ray Haynes outed him). He ran again in 1994, falling short by a larger margin. He returned to teach in public schools for 23 years and served as a Riverside Community College Board trustee from 1990 through 2012.
In 2011 Takano decided to run again in the new, redrawn 41st District. He came in second to John Tavaglione in the June 2012 open primary but bested Tavaglione 58%-42% in the November general election. His victory was groundbreaking on several socio/political fronts. His communication team knew how to do social media right and Mark hit the ground running. Suddenly we were seeing a lot of our Representative...a welcome change to this constituent.
I first got in touch with Communications Director Brett Morrow a few months ago. Last Friday afternoon the three of us met at the Riverside office. I got to hear some very inspiring Riverside stories about Mark's family and what patience and perseverence means when facing outrageous injustice.
As you'll hear, we got to hang out for quite a while. Good times!
Thank you Congressman Takano for your time and consideration. Thank you Mr. Morrow for your dedication to getting me in the mix!
- Ralph from Riverside
• CONGRESSMAN MARK TAKANO, 41ST DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA
• TUMBLR
