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For the past 24 years my byline has graced the pages of this great newspaper. However, all things must come to an end. As most of our readers are aware by now, I have thrown my hat in the ring and am running for the 51st State Assembly District.
It's a decision I didn't make lightly and have mulled over for several months. Part of the process of my decision was how my run would affect the job I do at the newspaper. Frankly you really can't run for a state office and have a full-time job, especially in the newspaper business.
This will be my last column and over the next month or so I will stop covering the Iowa County and Dodgeville School Boards. I will still have some duties at the paper, but no longer be full-time or have anything to do with the news division. Knowing my co-workers I assume I will be assigned tasks such as sweeping floors, getting lunch and changing light bulbs.
When I started working here in 1990, I wasn't hired as a reporter. I was never trained to write for a newspaper, but Pat Reilly saw something in me that I didn't see in myself. The ability to go to a government meeting, grasp what was going on and put it into print. He trained me, worked with me, molded me and made me into the writer I am today. Although I still hear weekly from him when he reads my articles: "Where did you learn to write?"
Working for a family business isn't easy when you aren't a family member. But Pat and Mike Reilly have never treated me as an outsider. They made me part of the family. They also allowed and encouraged me to take time to be active in the community.
That community involvement included me being elected Mayor of Dodgeville two years ago. As long as I have worked at this paper, there has always been someone on staff that has held an elected office. However it never altered any coverage of a government body. In fact I've never been told once in 24 years to alter, change or not investigate a lead that involved a school board or city council that a staff member sat on.
I'm very proud of our editorial page and I think we have one of the most lively letter to the editor pages for any newspaper this size. The Iowa County community is engaged and involved. That is something to be proud of.
As for my run for higher office, I plan on doing what I do now. I will be myself and not waiver from the principals that have guided my life.
At a young age one of my heroes in life, my Grandpa Novak told me if you are going to do something, don't do it half "ass" and to throw everything you have into it. I followed that in my job at the newspaper, as Mayor and will as I campaign.
I truly love being Mayor and will stay in the job, even if I'm elected to the assembly. I love hearing from people and helping them solve a problem, listening to their concerns and complaints. In fact it was being mayor that made me realize I wanted to make the next jump up the political ladder. I realized it's not about politics, it's about the people.
Politics at this level can tend to be a "blood sport." The 51st Assembly District is one of the top races in the state and by me running it will also be historic. My family is on board and 100% supportive, but I'm sure there will be trying times for all of us. I am almost 50 years old and my mom tells me to go for it, but adds the caveat, "I'm your mother, I love you and I will always worry about you."
No matter what gets thrown my way, just remember, I'm still the same person that you have gotten to know by reading my articles and columns over the last 24 years.
As for the Reilly family, thank you for the great ride, the support and everything else you have done for me. Although you all still drive me crazy at times, it has been a lot of fun.
To all the readers thank you for your comments and criticism over the years. You've made me grow, given me a tough coat of armor and prepared me for this next adventure.
The end.