Now that the elections are finally over, we can all take a deep breath and a sigh of relief that we won't be in the line of fire for the the bitter, embrazened mudslinging and attack ads that we've been bombarded with over the recent weeks.
In the local election, at least for our ward, it was close -- really only 144 votes would have tied it up. In the truest sense of American democracy, every vote counts!
At this point, I'm just glad that its over.
I've learned a tremendous amount over the past couple of months -- about running a campaign, the history of Chaska, what is important to people, and what it takes to get there. This is all stuff that will be helpful to me as I move forward, and possibly look into running for office again in the future.
But I'm not done yet. I still fully intend to be active in our community's development, and to remain focused on doing what I can to ensure that the people of the community live in a city they can be proud of.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
Debates are Done!
Like many people, I find some of the Presidential and Vice Presidential debates have both entertainment as well as a informative value. But it is another thing entirely to get up there yourself and have a debate (or even a disussion) in front of a room full of people knowing it will be broadcast on television.
This past Wednesday and Thursday, I was honored to participate in candidate forums with the Chaska Area Chamber of Commerce and the Eastern Carver County League of Women Voters. Both events had all six candidates for Chaska offices -- Mayor, City Council Ward 2 and City Council Ward 4.
Considering that I really had not engaged in a formal discussion/debate/forum such as these since, probabaly high school, it was a bit nerve-wracking. The good news is that I don't believe I stuck my foot in my mouth, and (I think) I gave relatively coherent responses to most questions.
For those of you interested in seeing them, they will be broadcast on Chaska Cable channel 15. Here's the URL to Chaska TV: http://www.chaska.tv/.
Friday, October 3, 2008
In the thick of Election Season
With the city council debates right around the corner this week, and all of the national debates happening, this is quite an exciting time.
Suffice it to say that there's still much to do before the elections. Lots of campaigning, and lots of meeting people.
The voter's guide has been published in the Chaska Herald this week, too. Check if out if you haven't already. Its an interesting read if you haven't had the opportunity to see it yet.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Election Season is in Full Swing
Ah, I love the smell of flyers in the morning.
We're in the midst of campaign season, and all the candidates are busily out campaigning. Signs are going up, and those running for office (including myself) are going door-to-door to meet people and talk about the issues .
While we're out there, we've seen signs disappearing and getting vandalized. If you happen to see signs getting vandalized, defaced, or stolen -- whether they are mine, for other candidates, or even my opponent's -- I encourage you to contact the Chaska Police Department (confidential tip line: 952-227-2479, or e-mail: chaskapolice@chaska.net).
It is truly sad that in so many communities, including our own, there are those few who are compelled to be juvenille and cause damage to other people's property.
While I'm out there, I look forward to meeting as many of the community as I can, and earning your vote!
We're in the midst of campaign season, and all the candidates are busily out campaigning. Signs are going up, and those running for office (including myself) are going door-to-door to meet people and talk about the issues .
While we're out there, we've seen signs disappearing and getting vandalized. If you happen to see signs getting vandalized, defaced, or stolen -- whether they are mine, for other candidates, or even my opponent's -- I encourage you to contact the Chaska Police Department (confidential tip line: 952-227-2479, or e-mail: chaskapolice@chaska.net).
It is truly sad that in so many communities, including our own, there are those few who are compelled to be juvenille and cause damage to other people's property.
While I'm out there, I look forward to meeting as many of the community as I can, and earning your vote!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
It's Official!
Yes, as of this morning, I'm officially a candidate for City Council! I went in to City Hall this morning and met with Margo who was wonderfully helpful. She walked me through the paperwork, and has me ready to go.
Also, my first order of campaign signs arrived this week. I look forward to getting them out in and around the ward. If you're interested in having one in your yard, drop me an e-mail at mike@huangforchaska.com.
Also, my first order of campaign signs arrived this week. I look forward to getting them out in and around the ward. If you're interested in having one in your yard, drop me an e-mail at mike@huangforchaska.com.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Minnesota Summer
Summertime in Minnesota tends to bring out the best of what I love about living here -- the warmth and generosity of the people. Two cases in the past few weeks come to mind.
A few weeks ago, I was up in Duluth for the air show. As the Blue Angels performed, the clouds opened, and showered us with an abundance of rain, which would have been welcomed at almost any other time. Well, to make a long story short, the Blues cut short their performance, and my family and slogged -- completely soaked to the bone -- back to our car, which was at the far end of the dirt field used as a parking lot.
On the long walk, I was dreading the inevitable combination of water and dirt -- getting stuck in the mud. Once we arrived and got loaded into the car, we were able to get moving. Unfortuantely, as we had to stop for a vehicle in front of us, who got stuck in the mud, we did, too.
But as I was looking at my front wheel, deep in the mud, a stranger came up, and asked me if I needed a pull. We were so grateful that he was able to come by and help us. But not only did he pull our car out of the muck, but he went around, and helped others who found themselves in the same predicament!
So, Shawn from Hermantown, if you're out there reading this -- thank you!!
The next week, when I was back home in Chaska, and wandered around had the opportunity to observe and meet with a number of people around River City Days. It was such the small-town festival that is both charming, and inviting -- it is what makes Chaska special.
This same spirit carried through at the River City Days parade the next day. I was thrilled to be able to participate in it, and had a great time out there.
Then, this past week, I had the pleasure of being part of our neighborhood's National Night Out. We probabaly had a couple of hundred people show up for root beer floats. It was great to get out and chat with my neighbors, and see all the kids playing together. When the fire truck rolled in, the kids swarmed like there was free candy or something (I don't think there was, but it sure seemed like it!).
The spirit of cooperation and pulling together -- not just in adversity -- but in celebration, showed a wonderful character of community.
There's something special about being here -- both in Minnesota, and especially Chaska. There's a warmth, a caring, a special spirit where people will wave back if you wave at them. Its a bit like going boating, but you can do it on the streets (well, almost!).
It's no wonder that we're one of the best places to live in the US!
Its all about the people.
A few weeks ago, I was up in Duluth for the air show. As the Blue Angels performed, the clouds opened, and showered us with an abundance of rain, which would have been welcomed at almost any other time. Well, to make a long story short, the Blues cut short their performance, and my family and slogged -- completely soaked to the bone -- back to our car, which was at the far end of the dirt field used as a parking lot.
On the long walk, I was dreading the inevitable combination of water and dirt -- getting stuck in the mud. Once we arrived and got loaded into the car, we were able to get moving. Unfortuantely, as we had to stop for a vehicle in front of us, who got stuck in the mud, we did, too.
But as I was looking at my front wheel, deep in the mud, a stranger came up, and asked me if I needed a pull. We were so grateful that he was able to come by and help us. But not only did he pull our car out of the muck, but he went around, and helped others who found themselves in the same predicament!
So, Shawn from Hermantown, if you're out there reading this -- thank you!!
The next week, when I was back home in Chaska, and wandered around had the opportunity to observe and meet with a number of people around River City Days. It was such the small-town festival that is both charming, and inviting -- it is what makes Chaska special.
This same spirit carried through at the River City Days parade the next day. I was thrilled to be able to participate in it, and had a great time out there.
Then, this past week, I had the pleasure of being part of our neighborhood's National Night Out. We probabaly had a couple of hundred people show up for root beer floats. It was great to get out and chat with my neighbors, and see all the kids playing together. When the fire truck rolled in, the kids swarmed like there was free candy or something (I don't think there was, but it sure seemed like it!).
The spirit of cooperation and pulling together -- not just in adversity -- but in celebration, showed a wonderful character of community.
There's something special about being here -- both in Minnesota, and especially Chaska. There's a warmth, a caring, a special spirit where people will wave back if you wave at them. Its a bit like going boating, but you can do it on the streets (well, almost!).
It's no wonder that we're one of the best places to live in the US!
Its all about the people.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Welcome to my Blog!
Greetings!
As many of you know, I'm running for City Council in Chaska. As Jay Rohe is stepping down to run for Mayor, I believe that another voice needs to step forward represent the people of Ward 4, much as Jay has done so well for us over the last 8 years.
Through open lines of communications, I will strive to be a fair, honest representative of our community. I believe in listening and understanding all sides to the issue, then building consensus around a solution.
As part of a constructive problem-solving process, I believe it is vital to be accessible for people to share their thoughts and opinions on topics and issues that affect them in the community. Bringing all parties to the table, we can work together to craft a solution that everyone can be satisfied with.
So, if you have any burning topics on the tip of your tongue, post it to my blog, so that I (or others) can hear what you have to say.
Democracy is about enabling the people. Let your voice be heard.
As many of you know, I'm running for City Council in Chaska. As Jay Rohe is stepping down to run for Mayor, I believe that another voice needs to step forward represent the people of Ward 4, much as Jay has done so well for us over the last 8 years.
Through open lines of communications, I will strive to be a fair, honest representative of our community. I believe in listening and understanding all sides to the issue, then building consensus around a solution.
As part of a constructive problem-solving process, I believe it is vital to be accessible for people to share their thoughts and opinions on topics and issues that affect them in the community. Bringing all parties to the table, we can work together to craft a solution that everyone can be satisfied with.
So, if you have any burning topics on the tip of your tongue, post it to my blog, so that I (or others) can hear what you have to say.
Democracy is about enabling the people. Let your voice be heard.
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