I'm Running For Council Not Against Another Candidate

I've gotten some commentary during my talks with people when I've told individuals in both Snowbird and Cherokee County that I was running. Among the comments I've gotten, from both communities, is "We need to get rid of Angie (Kephart) and Abe (I hear he's not running. His son Adam is supposed to be running in his place)." I understand frustration with the status quo. Also, if things were fine they way they are, I wouldn't have decided to run.
However, I'm running for Tribal Council, not so much against Angie Kephart or against anyone else. I want voters in Cherokee County and Snowbird to vote for me. Whoever else gets their votes is their business. I'm not so arrogant to insist that my potential constituents have to vote in a manner for which I approve. I'm certainly not going to try to monitor the polls to see who votes how, nor will I attempt to punish those who choose to either vote for candidates with whom I disagree or choose not to vote for me, and I will represent my constituents equally. I will not practice selective representation.
Here's why I feel I'm qualified to serve:
* I'm educated. I hold a B.A. in Public Relations from Auburn University. With the challenging and complex issues that confront the tribe, we need a candidate who can handle these issues with wisdom and understanding. Furthermore, I have vast experience dealing with the media, which is of the utmost importance.
* I'm accomplished and experienced. While I've never held public office before, I've worked with the tribe for 11 years. I understand well how tribal government works, and I've proven my abilities to work with every tribal program. That's important when it comes to funding for programs in Cherokee County and Snowbird who've been fighting for scraps for decades.
* I'm ethical. I've been faithfully married to my wife for seven years. I've never been charged with a crime, and I've always conducted my work with the highest of ethical standards in mind. My wife and I are expecting our first child in October, and it's important to me that I set a positive example in this area.
* I was raised with strong Christian, moral values, and will make decisions based upon those values. I attend services at the Episcopal Church of the Messiah in Murphy where my wife and I are members. The lessons taught from the Bible and what it means to be a Christian not only give me comfort during trying times, they guide me in making tough decisions. I will rely upon my faith in making decisions for the betterment of the tribe.
* I bring an agenda that is right and just for the tribe, accountability, transparency in government and respect for individual liberty. We as tribal members are Americans, and we need elected officials who are going to act like Americans. Too many tribal members have risked and even lost their lives defending the ideals upon which the United States was founded only to have elected officials profane everything for which they sacrificed by trying to squelch dissent, hiding the truth from them and denying them a voice in their government.
I've got no doubt that some voters will be approached about me by some who will argue that they shouldn't vote for me. When approached, it's perfectly appropriate to suggest that instead of why they shouldn't vote for R. Joseph Martin, or anyone else for that matter, ask them why should they vote for whatever candidate they're advocating. If they can't or won't answer, then they don't deserve your time.
While I think you should vote for candidates who represent a positive change for the tribe, I won't get in the business of asking you to not vote for a particular candidate. I represent positive change and balance for tribal government, and that's why I should be elected.