The big day is upon us... My thoughts and reflections about some aspects of the campaign.

The big day is upon us. I have spent a lot of time prior to and since qualifying to run for City Council reflecting on the position, and what it would mean for my family and my life. More than anything, I took time to analyze my skills and my personal and professional experiences because I wanted to determine, before I ran, that I had something to offer to this position, and to the Council if I were chosen. 

I truly believe I have the ability to analyze and work through issues to come up with new and fiscally sound ideas. I am willing and able to have honest and passionate discussions with other people and will always want to hear and learn more about the issues. People call me a “machine” when I work, because I am able to accomplish a lot in a little bit of time. What you may not know about me is that I have a heart; I empathize very deeply with people who need an advocate. When I commit to something, I pour my heart and soul into it. I am real, I don’t ever fake it. I will always be honest and open with you, I have nothing to hide. I want all people to see their own potential and to achieve it. I believe the same about this City. I am a VERY different choice than the other candidates. 

When I reflect on this campaign, I realize that campaigning takes a lot of money. I am not a career politician; I don’t intend to be a politician as my career. Instead, I hoped to force an election, to make a member of the Council have to earn their position on the City Council, and to provide another option from what already existed on the Council. I don't have any experience running a campaign, but I am proud of the work I've done over the last two months. 

I couldn’t be more proud or thankful that I ran for office. I have learned so much about the campaign process, about the City, the administration, some of the issues, and the other candidates. I had the opportunity to become even clearer about my values. More important than those things, though, I have met some incredible people along the way. I found people who respect and support me for exactly who I am and the work that I am passionate about doing. I met people who aren’t just supporters of the campaign, but will be true, lifelong friends, colleagues, and confidants. 

It’s hard to know if anyone will win this election tomorrow, or if there will be a run-off. No matter what happens, I am proud of the campaign I ran, proud of the work I’ve done, and so very thankful for those people that have asked questions, learned about the issues, learned about me, and plan to go to the polls tomorrow to vote. 

I am always going to advocate “Nicole Tobias for Winder City Council” but please know that I am a member of this community, and I will do anything I can to help improve our City and the lives of the people in it! 

The Winder Community Center will be open to voters TOMORROW from 7am-7pm. I hope to see you there!