Campaign -- Challenge and Satisfaction With Gratitude
Reflection
I just wanted to write a note of thanks and reflection. On June 22, I declared my candidacy for the Smithfield Town Council. Why? I believed that my fourteen years of experience on boards and commissions as well as my business and academic experience would provide a foundation as a member of the Smithfield Town Council.
The final vote count did not place me in the five seated positions for Town Council. The result was disappointing. However, it does not minimize the time and effort that I have invested in this campaign over the past four months. I remember vacationing in Lake Tahoe in the middle of July; my favorite place in the Country. Continuing to think about my future as a candidate and possibility as a member of the Town Council. I vividly remember being on the Lake, staring upon the mountains and serenity of the lake wondering what was ahead of me.
Two things came to mind … the possibility of continuing my life pursuit of developing others and giving back to society, much as I have done as a faculty member for the last three decades. I also reflected on the pride of my immediate family and cousins for their support during this candidacy.
Over the last few months, there have been many challenges, late nights, appointments and tasks to accomplish. Not much different than my business and academic careers. But it was different. While I have conducted hundreds of lectures, presentations and speeches, someone in front of over a hundred people, I remember being a bit uncomfortable on my first neighborhood walks with Rachel and Michael.
But then, something happened. I learned to be the same professional and person I have been while lecturing and meetings with students, integrating humor into the conversation. In one discussion with a resident on my second walk during dinner time, she said that she had to leave us and remove dinner from the oven.
- Ken: “What are you cooking in the oven?”
- Resident: “Meatloaf.”
- Ken: “Can we have some for takeout, we are hungry.”
The woman laughed. It reminded me of Maya Angelou’s quote (attached).
Thanks and Gratitude
- Frank Ricci, Elizabeth Santucci, Grace Toppi and the SRTC for their support, guidance and mentoring.
- To people providing me with advice and conversations including Brian Rea, Robert Labrie and Joseph Toppi.
- To my colleagues at Bryant University for their kindness and support.
- To the parishioners at St Philips Church and the priests (Frs. Michael, Patrick and Jay) at St Philips Church for their kindness and a warm smile every morning at 8am mass.
- My candidate-mates Michael Iannotti, Rachel Toppi, Kathy Gaidimas and Haralabos “Bobby” Nikolopoulos … I appreciate and respect the commitment and sacrifices that we all endured during a political campaign. I respect and admire that, like me, you wanted to serve this Town with honor and ethical character.
- To my current students and former students at Bryant. If you really know me, you will deeply understand the love, caring and friendship I am honored to have from a large group of students over the last three decades. Five in particular … Carl, Cam, Rob, Jeff and Rob! You are a joy to watch develop into great husbands, fathers and successful members of the business community.
Lastly, to Virginia, Henry and Karen … I am deeply moved by how they would feel right now.
I continue to wish the best for Smithfield, its new leaders as well as the residents and business owners. In two years, Smithfield will become the longest residence of my life, second to my birthplace in Bristol RI.
Thank you all! And to end where I began in June …
There is no greater challenge than to have someone relying on you, no greater satisfaction than to vindicate their expectations.
