The following is the opinion and analysis of the writer:
Aubrey Conover
When we told our 10-year-old that his mom was running again for office, he looked confused and simply asked, “Why?” A fair question. This job has been the most challenging thing our family has ever done, and yes, it is truly a family affair.
While we have been able to shield him from most of the vitriol and attacks from both Republicans and the past administration, he still sees the long hours, nights, and weekends his mom puts in. While we have been able to shield him from the emergency police meetings and the need for a bulletproof vest, he still sees the danger wherever his mom goes. He is keenly aware of the time and energy this role takes and the toll it has taken on our family. So answering “Why” is not easy. We explain that in order to make true change in this world, you have to give of yourself. It’s easy to sign a petition or give $5, but we also need those willing to organize the petition drives, run for office, to take on the worthy and risky causes and stand up.
We are at a crucial time in our country’s history. Rights that had been secured for decades are being chipped away. Now more than ever, we need people to stand up. As County Attorney, Laura has done just that. Under relentless attacks, she has held the line. She abolished the use of the death penalty, took a stand and fought for reproductive rights, and kept kids in the juvenile system whenever legally possible. She partnered with law enforcement to help lead a historic yearly drop in violent crime. She secured the first office-wide raises in decades. She remains out in the community meeting with residents, hearing about their neighborhoods.
So what about her opponent? What we do know is that he filed to run as a Republican in 2012, we know he switched parties to run as a Democrat almost immediately before filing, we know he’s taken tens of thousands of dollars from hardline conservatives, we know his campaign is full of folks from the past administration. But about what kind of leader he is? Well, we still don’t know much. The choice is simple: do we go backward with the candidate embraced by Barbara Lawall, or do we keep moving forward?
As we approach our elections many are feeling daunted by the state of our country and the challenges facing our community. But I know we can overcome them together. So when I have to answer my son’s questions as to “Why”. I can say, “To make this community better for all.” Are you willing to stand up? Laura Conover certainly has!
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