An Open Letter from Corey Thompson
With the all-important Primary only a few days away, I had planned to write a final public commentary discussing the numerous challenges that our community is facing. I also wanted to make a ‘closing argument’ of sorts, letting you know one more time where I stand on the issues.
Yet, as I pieced together my thoughts, I found myself doing more than just analyzing the current political landscape across Mecklenburg County. While I sat here at my desk, staring into the emptiness of a computer screen, I began to reflect upon the journey I have been on since announcing my candidacy last November.
To most of you, further explanation of my political ideology isn’t necessary. You’ve heard (or read) it all before. I have commented frequently on the need for smaller government, reestablishing our local priorities and eliminating waste, taming our out-of-control spending, cutting taxes, and putting money back into the pockets of our people and our local businesses. Doing so, I believe, will stimulate the local economy, create competition and private-sector jobs, allow us to focus our attention on getting tough on crime, and provide a more disciplined approach to sharpening the success within our local school system. Of course, the ultimate goal is to once again establish a sense of trust by guaranteeing transparency and accountability to ‘the people’ as public service was originally intended.
I believe that I have been a stout critic of our current local leadership. I have repeatedly called out the County Commission, and I have spoken boldly in regard to what I perceive as the misguided leadership of our County Manager. My public comments and criticisms have been well documented, and they have, for better or worse, earned me subsequent applause and a fair share of criticism in return. Even as the political ‘rookie’ in this race, I pushed all of my chips to the middle of the table and laid my cards face-up from the beginning. I wanted you, the citizens, to know exactly where I stood. I’ve had to develop some pretty thick skin since November, but I have found that to be the nature of how things work in politics these days, and I’m ok with that.
I really had no expectations by which to measure this process. I am 34 years old, happily married to the most amazing woman a guy could ask for, and I’m the proud Daddy to our 2-year-old son. I’m a History and Journalism teacher in CMS, I hold a few roles in some local organizations, and I don’t claim to be anything more than who I really am. What you see is what you get. And what you may or may not see, well, that is ultimately left in the eye of the beholder.
I’ve tried to make it clear whenever I speak with people that the most important seat I might ever attain is not located in the Government Center, but rather, it’s the seat I hold on my couch at home, with my wife by my side and my son on my lap. I was reminded of that over the past few months, as my time away from home multiplied each week due to the rigors of campaigning. And while I enjoyed every minute of meeting with the people of this great county, I was torn on the inside whenever I wasn’t home for dinner, or the nightly ritual that takes place in our house with family prayer time just before my son Charlie goes to bed.
I’m being very open with you right now, even to the extent of making myself vulnerable on the eve of the Primary. Well, I’m ok with doing just that. You see, instead of hammering away on the same worn out issues, I want to leave you with some final thoughts from ‘Corey the person,’ instead of ‘Corey the politician.’
If I’m not fortunate enough to advance from the Primary on to the General Election Tuesday night, this might be the last time I have the privilege of addressing this audience for quite some time. Because of that, I feel the need to be open and to leave nothing unsaid.
It has been a real privilege to run for public service in the county I grew up in, and I am truly humbled to have competed with such an outstanding group of candidates. Next week, Mecklenburg County has a tough decision to make, and I believe that every candidate in the County Commission At-Large Primary brings a unique perspective to the contest at hand. I tip my hat to the other seven contenders as a gesture of sincere appreciation for an outstanding Primary race, and I wish each of them the best of luck.
I believe in building strong personal relationships with the people I meet. In campaigning, I have learned that rarely does the candidate get to return the same amount of appreciation to the very people who are investing so much in them. It has been very humbling to meet people for the first time who have been willing to support our team by putting up a yard sign, make a few phone calls, or walk door-to-door on behalf of the message we are trying to spread. Often times, I never got the chance to say “thanks” before it was too late. If we’re fortunate on Tuesday, and again in November, I’ll spend the next two years saying it by working hard on your behalf.
Our campaign has been about “the team” since day one. I can say that we never once wavered from that mentality, and I am proud to have been a part of such an amazing group of individuals who united behind a common goal. Win or lose Tuesday, I’ll never doubt the efforts our team put forth. They inspired me every day to work a little harder than I did the day before. I am forever indebted to their sacrifice, and I hope to be able to return what they gave every day for the team.
As we look across America today, there are so many things that remain uncertain. As Conservatives, it’s quite easy to become oversaturated with those things that have stirred our emotions toward the negative. Yet, in the midst of the current landscape, I want to present a challenge for us to remain mindful of everything that is so ‘right’ about our great nation. Despite the obstacles and choppy seas of the current storm, we are still that ‘great beacon of light’ that Reagan alluded to. Let’s not lose sight of the fact that we are still a nation of dreams, paving the way for others to follow. We are still the ‘shining city upon a hill,’ and regardless of how things may seem, we’ll keep her that way because our spirit refuses to allow otherwise.
I am proud of the history of this country…and this county. Most people don’t realize the roots that Mecklenburg has, especially as it pertains to the brushfires of independence dating back to 1775. That same fire still lingers throughout our community today. That’s why I’ve never lost faith. I believe in our people; I believe in our spirit; I believe in our ability to overcome the challenges set before us with a renewed vision and commitment to restoring conservative principles and securing prosperity for generations to come. I pledge to do my part in that endeavor.
On Wednesday morning the sun will come up, the Primary will be over, and life will go on. Regardless of the outcome, we’ll embark on a new journey and look ahead to a new race for those fortunate enough to move on to November. I hope to have the opportunity to be a part of that, but if I don’t, please know that I will continue to work hard to promote the message of Conservatism. My faith in what we stand for won’t change. I believe in the values of our great nation, and equally, in the spirit of our people to overcome the challenges set before us. This race was all the evidence I need to feel confident that our best and brightest days are still ahead of us. Thank you for helping to light the path, and for making the journey all the more special.
Best Regards,
Corey Thompson
www.coreythompson.us
We need your help! If you like PunditHouse, please consider donating to us. Even $5 a month can make a difference!
Short URL: https://pundithouse.com/?p=1808
