Chronicles of a first time political volunteer

Hi folks, my name is John — I’ll be going by J.P. on here — and over the last several weeks I’ve been posting and helping set things up here on Zimmermann 2006. In the coming weeks and months. I plan to highlight different volunteers on the Blog in order to give people more insight on the inside of Carl Zimmermann campaign.

In late November, I received a political ad through the US mail from Carl’s campaign. I had been aware of him and his run for District 48 since his initial announcement in March 2005. I knew then, just as I knew when I got that advertisement, I wanted to help him any way I could. The need for change in Florida’s legislature is just as big as the need for change at the federal level. I’ve seen so many people on both sides of the political aisle get caught up in the federal political scene but it starts at home – literally - in your neighborhood, in your community, town, county and state. It’s very easy to get lost in other concerns about the government, but change starts at home.

I read through Carl’s pamphlet and found myself nodding in agreement. Abuses are coming up at all levels of the government with regards to our rights and how we are being ignored while our elected officials sell support to the highest bidding special interest group. I visited Carl’s old web site and found it in disrepair and offered my services to him to repair or redesign the page on a volunteer basis…

I think I got the job but I can’t be sure yet. I’ll keep you posted.

Seriously, Carl was receptive to the offer and lo and behold what has come from it. The web site is designed in a non-traditional way placing Carl’s blog on the front page an an introduction to him elsewhere. The campaign is a living, breathing thing after all and needs to be kept fresh… Just like the news from the campaign on the site itself.

This is my first time volunteering for a political campaign. I’ve supported previous candidates and made campaign contributions but I’ve never gotten this involved in the process before… But the need for change is so great and need for commitment from the little people to bringing about change is so necessary, how could I not get involved?

I ask those reading the site and agreeing with Carl’s stances to follow my lead and pledge to help out in any way you can. Maybe can spare a some change, or a few dollars to support the campaign? Perhaps you have enough time to walk your neighborhood with Carl? Maybe you just want to show support by putting up a yard sign or putting a bumper sticker on your car… Whatever the case, you’re needed.

In my case, I’m helping Carl’s online campaign and that’s a start. Not too bad for a first time political volunteer.