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How a political newcomer turned frustration, determination, and his willingness to listen into an unexpected victory.
Just months after a disappointing national election, the end of his brief marriage, and his city's lack of response to a neighborhood crack house, John S. Tonello decided enough was enough. Over the the next nine months, and against all odds, he mounted an outsider's campaign for mayor. Starting with zero name recognition and little understanding of local politics, he took on his local Democratic Party, the political veterans who ran it, a three-term councilman in a primary, and a Republican with great name recognition in the general election. In this personal, honest, and compelling narrative, he describes how he and a small team stuck to their principles and took steps to not just win but win over a city of thirty thousand. In a city Mark Twain once called home, he changed the political narrative. This is his story.
"Daring to Run is both a memoir of the courage, optimism and drive it took to get elected to local office and a how-to guide to building a campaign from nothing." — The Post-Standard
"Daring to Run is an emotionally honest memoir that helps voters of all parties better understand the highs and lows of seeking office and holding office. Tonello brings a Huck Finn charm to his story of idealism, drive, and optimism, which makes sense from the country where Mark Twain did some of his best writing. With unassuming candor and an eye for detail, Tonello conveys the two biggest lessons for all new candidates who have the courage to enter what Teddy Roosevelt called 'The Arena': if you don't swing, you don't hit; and no one is smart enough to be a pessimist." — Mark Green, author, former public official, public interest lawyer, and Democratic politician from New York City
"John Tonello's book detailing his experiences as a small American city mayor is a book for our times. It is a reminder that communities everywhere are dependent upon those who are willing to step up and serve in local government. With the Federal government abandoning the needs of cities, local government is all the more important. As a one-time newspaper reporter, John is an exceptional writer, and is able capture the burdens and challenges of leading a city. Police, fire, public works, and sanitation departments are the pillars of city government, and John describes their work with a compelling and engaging narrative. As a one-time mayor myself, John's story telling reminds me of why I loved the job. I know you’ll love this book." — Marty Mack, former Executive Deputy Attorney General for New York State
Prologue
1. Deciding to Run
2. Councilman vs. Mayor
3. Wooing the Party
4. Announcement Days
5. Getting on the Ballot
6. Campaign Materials and Creating a Brand
7. Making Friends and Raising Cash
8. Lead-up to the Primary
9. Primary Day
10. Getting the Party On Board
11. Switching Gears: Facing the Republican
12. The Marathon Takes Its Toll
13. Lead-up to Election Day
14. Election Day
15. Early Days
Epilogue
Index