An open letter to my neighbors:

Although I believe that it is very important to vote in every election, I have never supported or worked for any candidate. But for some reason, I wanted to go to last Saturday’s launch of Neil Abercrombie’s campaign for Hawaii Governor. With everything facing us, I just wanted to see this guy close up and find out if he’s “for real.” Many local friends are really worried about their jobs, their future, and their keiki. I know that I am. More than ever before we need more than just clever slogans or political spoils for the few.

The first thing I noticed was all of the “real” people I saw there from every local community, not “important” types. I even ran into a friend or two. Neil may have been in Washington for a while, but from the lion dance, to the grinds, to the Hawaiian sounds, this was an authentic local event and I’m really glad that I went.

I’m glad because I got to hear the congressman explain in his own words why he left what might have been a lifetime job in DC to take a “lower” position in the political pecking order. His words about the challenges facing us, and his ideas about solving them, made a lot of common sense to me. It was clear that this guy get’s it!

One thing that really impressed me is meeting folks there who have known Neil and supported him for years. They still believe in him, and that said a LOT to me.

When Neil talked about our shared concerns he really spoke to me. His words were hopeful, inclusive, and Pono. I’m tired of petty factions, aren’t you? Neil has shown in the congress that he is ready and able to work with everybody (even republicans respect him) to solve our real problems.

This guy could have stayed in Washington, but you can really feel his longing to be back home here. Yes, he’s a passionate guy, but it’s positive passion. Instead of blaming and looking for enemies, he proposed some exciting ideas about making our islands more self-sufficient in food, power, and finances.

Yes, he’s “All in.” He’s out of a job, he bet the whole pot, and now he’s looking for his next job just like a lot of us are. It was refreshing to hear someone talk plainly like Neil did on Saturday. it’s wonderful that he really wants to BE governor of Hawaii, not just leap-frog to the next step up the political ladder.

Plus, Neil is a UH graduate just like me. Our President has known Neil his whole life: as a friend of his parents, and as a fellow public servant. Imagine the connections!

What I observed in the congressman was deep Aloha for Hawaii’s people. His demonstrated abilities to move people forward together, and the honesty that I felt in his words filled me with hope. Remember hope? I’m supporting Neil Abercrombie for our next governor. Please think seriously about it, pray about it, then join us!

This entry was posted on Friday, March 12th, 2010 at 7:20 am and is filed under Maui Democrats. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.