Hello, from the losing side. :)

Elections were early last week. I meant to update soon after, but lost myself in a sea of playing "catch-up." (Don't we all?)

So... I lost the election. It was no surprise really. When I qualified, I'd been told by a number of reliable people that the incumbent was not going to run again. Then, the next thing I knew, he did decide to run. As soon as I found out, I knew I would be hard-pressed to get my name out there enough to run a successful campaign, especially when I had many on the council against me, the reason being that many of them didn't agree with a stance I'd taken some years ago concerning a micro-managing of the police department. And that's okay. To each their own. I suspect that they also knew that I would fight what's been going on with town employee raises versus personal property sales. But, as things often go, life goes on, and I find myself trying not to care because there really isn't anything I can do now. I put myself out there, and that's all one can possibly do.

In any case, I've resumed regular programming. I often feel like I have about a thousand tabs open in my brain on any given day, but I wouldn't have it any other way. I don't know how often I will be able to update this blog, but I will try to pop in with tidbits of stuff now and then. In the meantime, I hope your Intro to Fall 2016 is off to a great start!

Peace, love, and moving on,

Pamela

Running for Fyffe City Council

Hi everyone! I'm announcing my candidacy for Fyffe city council. I'm running because I have a desire to serve, and to show my children and students that community involvement does not have to seem like such a foreign concept.

I have two primary goals in mind as I begin my campaign:

First, I feel like UFO Days needs a facelift. A few years ago, I served on the committee for UFO Days, and while the event is handled well, and is generally just fine otherwise, I feel like it could use an overhaul. For example, it shouldn't have to cost a small fortune for a family of four to come out and have fun. Yes, while some inflatables are free and the music is free, I think that we should really look into adding more free activities, games, and events. When I take my kids out, I am "dollared" to death at these festivals; I can't imagine what it costs those with more than two children! Another example is the lack of music targeting Fyffe's youth. I think we can do a better job at showing the teenagers of Fyffe that we value their participation in the community.

Second, I'd like to explore the possibility of putting together a technology center. Fyffe needs a Wi-Fi hotspot without having to buy drinks and food, and we need a place with multiple computers for the community to use. I can envision tutors teaching Joe Fyffe how to work his email and Jane Fyffe how to create files and folders for the recipes she wants to digitally store. I can envision classes on the basics of computer use, or classes on how to work specific programs or websites. A community technology center would only benefit Fyffe.

A little about me: I have lived in Fyffe most of my life. I'm a graduate of Fyffe High School, Northeast Alabama Community College, and Athens State University. I'm currently an adjunct English instructor at NACC. I've been married to my fantastic husband for eleven years, and am also a mom, stepmom, and Nana. In addition to being a teacher, I am also a writer, editor, and designer. I am capable and ready to serve my community. I hope you vote for me and allow me that chance.

I've been answering questions and sharing thoughts on my Facebook group, Pamela Gifford for Fyffe Council. Feel free to read and/or join!

ETA: Please mark AUGUST 23 on your calendars, and go vote! :)

Thanks y'all!

Peace, love, and voting,

Pamela