DelSol
My name is Ivan DelSol and I’m running for Cottage Grove mayor in 2030.
I know, I know. I’m a few years early. I wanted to get a head start.
The thing is, this year most everyone still supports one of our major political parties. Personally, I think they’re both absolutely criminal, and I cannot in good conscience support either. This makes it an odd time to run for office, because apparently not very many people agree with me. That’s okay. My theory is this: as politics and our government become ever more farcical, eventually people will decide they want a mayor that thinks like I do. This year, I’m just running to let everyone know that I’m here and willing to work outside the political box. After a few more cycles of voting for buffoons and lesser evils, I’m betting you’ll be ready to try that, too.
I know a lot of people want Cottage Grove to stay the same as it’s always been. That is, quite simply, no longer an option. Things are changing, whether we like it or not, and resisting that change will only make life harder.
It’s a tough time to be a humanist. American society has been sliced and diced by a government in crisis. Both sides of the mainstream political divide views the other side as monstrous. I don’t believe we are monsters. I believe people have been duped by amoral elites that benefit from the population being divided. If anyone is monstrous, it’s those elites. In the real world (not Facebook) the vast majority of people really just want to be safe, healthy, and prosperous. Yet somehow, in the last year, our fear of each other has escalated to dangerous levels.
As a candidate in these tumultuous times, my focus is not on bureaucratic matters or minor civic issues, but on how we get along and support each other as a community. I don’t know exactly how we get from here to there, but I do know that in this time of crisis, we need to remember how to care about each other and value each other as human beings. This applies to all people, of every race, gender, creed, and culture. We need to stand together and see through the cynical political figures that would exploit our prejudices for their own benefit. Treating all people with kindness and respect is at the core of the solution. Communicating honestly, celebrating diversity, and truly listening to the needs of those around us will make our lives more full, genuine, and stable. These are things we strive for as individuals, but a forward-thinking city government can create an environment that facilitates them.
We need a city with a healthy culture, including locally owned business, arts, and recreation. This means paying attention to the needs of small businesses and entrepreneurs, not just big business and the power players in town. We need a council that cares for the beauty and health of our gorgeous natural setting and historic downtown. These are gifts we all benefit from, gifts that are not easily restored if we let them slip away for the economic gain of a few investors. We need a city that is safe and encouraging for kids, including good schools, activities, and other programs that will give them a leg up. The bottom line is that if we create a healthy Cottage Grove, we can weather the storm of madness that seems to be enveloping our country and our world.
Speaking of madness, I’d be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to say something about the upcoming presidential election. It’s clear that the voting process is going to be a disaster. The results are going to be questioned, no matter what. A lot of people are going to be extremely upset, no matter what. We’ve all suffered through presidents that we don’t like before, and we’re going to get through this one way or another. No matter what happens, it will not be the end of the world. It is so important that we don’t let our frustrations catch fire and turn into violent and destructive urges. It’s frightening that I even have to say that, but here we are. When it’s all said and done, we’ll still have to work together for the kind of town we want to live in.
In closing, I’d just like to acknowledge that it’s been a tough year for everyone. People are feeling stressed, isolated, scared, and angry. I’ve felt all those things many times in the last months. The most important thing is this: hang in there. Don’t give up hope. They say it’s darkest before dawn. Let’s be ready to put these dark times behind us and welcome a new day.
facebook.com/MayorDelSol
Read more:
Creswell mayor race – click here
Creswell City Council race – click here
Cottage Grove mayor race – click here
Candidate columns:
Chalice Savage – Cottage Grove City Council candidate
Shelly Clark – Creswell City Council candidate
Kori Rodley – Springfield City Council candidate
Ivan DelSol – Cottage Grove mayor candidate
