I got a call from the Senator last night and was told that I wasn't going to be hired for the job. The reason had nothing to do with qualifications, I'm afraid. The senator wants to hire someone who lives in her district (Medford, specifically). She was criticized during the campaign for having campaign staffers from outside the district ("political operatives brought in to influence local politics... out of touch with local issues"), and so she's sensitive to being district-oriented.
I understand her position, but I completely disagree with her solution. Her largest weakness in a re-election campaign would be a strong primary challenger from Medford. Having someone from Medford on her staff wouldn't make a difference unless she hires the mayor's firstborn son. What will make a difference is that she makes a strong impression in the community as a legislator with an emphasis on constituent services. The voters in Medford (and throughout the district) need to know that she's available if they have problems. The key to this will be promptly hiring an aide dedicated to constituent services and initiating a campaign of visibility and accessibility.
As for me? Well, now it's back to the job search. I'm volunteering for a state rep race in Somerville today (special election for the Senator's old seat), so I'll definitely be doing some networking while I'm there.
Comments
want me to put her in her place? I do have a rather sizable Italian family.
Posted by: J | January 10, 2006 10:15 AM
want me to put her in her place? I do have a rather sizable Italian family.
Posted by: J | January 10, 2006 10:17 AM
Dude, that sucks. Did you offer to move?
Posted by: Gwen | January 10, 2006 11:42 AM
What a crock of shit! That pisses me off!
You do live int he same STATE! YOu worked like crazy during the campaign!
Posted by: Mike | January 10, 2006 07:27 PM
This woman had no qualms having you work for FREE when you weren't in her district!
Posted by: Mike | January 10, 2006 07:31 PM
Like I said, I appreciate her concerns, even if I disagree with her attempted solution. I didn't volunteer on her campaign with the sole objective of being hired afterwards. Anyways, I'm over it. Tonight after the victory party I spoke with a lot of people who are very willing to help me find something to do, so it's only a matter of time.
I appreciate the righteous indignation, though.
Posted by: Daniel | January 11, 2006 01:15 AM
Hey there, I like to add my grievant condolence to the pile... meanwhile, in the ever-desperate search for a lasting girlfriend
Posted by: Scott | January 11, 2006 01:19 AM
Well, that sucks. I am so disappointed that she is being such a rookie. As you said, it won't make a bit of difference in the next election if ALL of her staff comes from Medford. The opposition will drum up another reason to criticize her. Then it will probably be something to the effect of she didn't have enough diversity in her staff since they were all from Medford. I'm sorry, but I know something good will come for you, and soon I hope!
Posted by: Danielle | January 12, 2006 12:47 PM