DEADLINE DAY....FOR A NEW BEGINNING!

Well, the time has drawn nigh....

Today is the filing deadline for those wishing to run in the upcoming election.

BTW, if you are not already, please be sure to register to vote by February 4, 2008 to have the opportunity to cast your vote in the March 4th primary election!

After 6 p.m. today, we will know who will be running for office in the upcoming election.

I take interest in this particular election as this nation is on the cusp of the dawn of a new day in many areas, aspects and avenues.

Having been born and raised in Dallas and been a political junkie since my tween years, I have noticed a pattern that is not the most conducive for embracing the next generation. It has always baffled me beyond belief as to where this mentality originates with my people. Some date it back to the "Willie Lynch" mentality and some say it is just plain ol' selfishness, fear of threat and greed. I speak from personal experience as well as being a witness to such foolishness.

When there is constant talk about what this generation is doing (or not doing) and the generation before forces an even bigger gap because of their unwillingness to reach back and MENTOR! I have heard constant rumblings of mentoring and reaching back, however the truth of the matter is that it is NOT happening in our community in many areas, including the political world! Try going to a local political event or Chamber of Commerce event and notice what happens...there's a different type of networking going on that does not welcome nor embrace nor foster relationships with the younger folks in attendance.

With a filing deadline only a few hours away, we have an elected official that has had the wool pulled over folks eyes for years and has virtually nothing to show for what they have accomplished for the community that put them in office and continues to keep them in office, another elected official well beyond retirement years, one elected official that cost us the chance at the only public law school in our area, another elected official under federal indictment (although, the disclaimer is there: INNOCENT UNTIL PROVEN GUILTY.) The sad reality is that they will probably all run unopposed as they have in elections past and with no one groomed to come in with a fresh mind and ideas to continue carrying the torch on to victory! The even sadder reality is that our community continues business as usual with no concern for what is taking place!

I must take time to thank two persons that have gone against the grain and taken time to invest in those coming along behind them in countless ways and despite the haters, despite the naysayers, despite the doubters- they have both won the race as triumphant victors! That is none other than Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway and State Representative Barbara Mallory Caraway. I could go on and on about the opportunities they have allowed me to experience and those that I've witnessed them create for others!

When does the game change? When does the torch stop going in a lateral direction from friend to friend and begin to trickle down to the real and relevant generation? When do we have to stop "snatching" and start receiving?

For the biblical scholars out there, you may know (or may not know:)) that the number 8 represents new beginnings! 2007 proved to be trying times in the political arena and beyond, 2008 promises to be A NEW BEGINNING!



So make this your deadline day and begin anew!

Let's Go To Work!!!

P.S. I have many friends from my undergraduate years at Florida A & M University that are currently elected officials across this country and they belong to a wonderful organization, check them out at www.youngelectedofficials.org.