Entries from September 2005 ↓

I picked the worst day, a Saturday afternoon on a beautiful day. People were busy at Home Depot, off on exploratory drives or watching their favorite college game – what was I thinking? But, over 50 made the time to join me for my official kick-off/fundraiser. I receipted about $1200 in donations that day, cemented some nice relationships and saw old friends. However, the real surprise came in the days that followed when scores of others came to me with generous donations and words of support. It’s a moving and humbling experience.

Returning the government to the people and undoing the harm that has been caused takes a deliberate effort from everyone of us. Nobody can afford to sit back while the current regime takes what they want and ignores what is right and just. You can help by supporting my candidacy. Now would be a great time to make a donation if you can.

Make checks payable to:
Carl Zimmermann Campaign
37578 US 19N
Palm Harbor, Fl 34683.

Please join us for the official…
Campaign 2006
Kick-Off/Fundraiser
For
Carl Zimmermann
Candidate for Florida State House
District 48, (D)
All invited!
All candidates and elected officials will be introduced!
Saturday, September 17th
2:00 in the Afternoon till 6:00
Tiffany’s Restaurant
35000 US 19 N. Palm Harbor
Hors D’oeuvres & beverages will be served
Free to all. Donations requested.
Please help elect Carl Zimmermann
Your friend, neighbor, colleague.
Make Government More Friendly to You!

If you can’t attend, but would be kind enough to make a donation, please make checks payable to: Carl Zimmermann Campaign. Send to 37578 US 19 N Palm Harbor 34683.
Please also include you name, address, phone number, email address, and occupation (required by law for donations between $100 and $500) ANY size contribution - $10, $20, $50 is greatly appreciated. I need your support as much as I need money.
Can you volunteer? Please contact Carl at carlzimmermann@yahoo.com
Or call 727-786-4654

Being a Candidate is quite an experience.

I enjoy being a candidate, most of the time. It’s a lot of work and it takes up a lot of time and even after that, I still feel like I’m not devoting enough time to it. Really, the only time I don’t enjoy it is when a speech doesn’t go well, or I feel I let someone down. I spoke in July and had that experience.

I was well prepared. I knew what I was going to talk about and was confident enough about it that I didn’t feel I needed notes. I walked into the meeting and several people came up to me. One man thanked me for helping him out with a problem he was having with the school system. My advice had solved the problem. Another person was anxious to introduce me to her friend. She introduced me as the man that she had been telling him about. Someone came up and said I was handsome. And another came up to me with a donation.

I was feeling excellent. It would be a good night.

Within minutes they called the candidates up front. We were to speak first. I lined up behind a man who I hadn’t met before. He told me he had been working on another man’s campaign. I mistakenly assumed he was there to speak for the other candidate. He went up to the podium and began talking casually. He announced he was running for State House in a district that spans across the Skyway. Within seconds he had the crowd. They cheered. They stood. And, I believe they might have even shouted Amen. As he walked away from the podium, their eyes followed him back to his seat. They were moved. It was heart pounding excitement. And then it was my turn.

I stood at the podium and waited for their eyes to drift back. I commented on what an exciting candidate he is, and then I started my speech. The contrast was so great, I felt I was putting myself to sleep and then, the worst happened. I completely forgot what the middle of my speech was going to be. I went black. I said something like “And that’s just not right, but I’ll tell you something else that’s not right. Everybody probably thought the pause was for effect. In a split second I moved onto an issue that I hadn’t even planned on talking about. It actually got some applause. I wrapped it up and walked back to a seat. Maybe nobody noticed?