Accountability. No matter how big or how small an elected office is, they all are defined by their access of accountability.

It was the most unforgettable lesson I learned during my undergraduate time at Loyola Chicago more than a decade ago. There is something special about diving into an election as a candidate. It is an experience of immense vulnerability.

As a candidate, my sole objective is to put the policies I believe to be correct into practice. It is a moment of vulnerability because your most developed and held values are out in the open for judgement. If you truly believe you are correct (and I do not believe you should run for election unless you do believe you are entirely correct– for if not, perhaps someone else should assume the role) then you have the determination to defend them. It requires confidence, but also compassion and humility.

That is a most fundamental principal of accountability.

If a candidate puts no treasure into their own words, their own practices, their own worth, then any notion of accountability is lost, for someone cannot be accountable for their actions if they place no value in those actions.

Words matter in leadership. A leader’s words can inspire action. As such, the leader’s words can be the leader’s actions.

This is something to reflect in this election and those elections that cary much greater importance.

I strive to continue my constant pursuit of accountability in leadership and I am glad to be joining so many of you in that effort.

Thank you.

I am looking forward,