Originally posted 05/12/07
The Tin Man wanted a heart, he has shown he has that; the Scarecrow wanted brains, he has demonstrated intelligence and street smarts; the Lion wanted courage, he has definitely demonstrated to the community, particularly his new constituents in Long Beach’s Sixth District that he has that. Courage is one thing that Dee Andrews, our newest member of City Council, has shown the people of Long Beach.
In 2000 Andrews was barely edged out for the seat in the 6th District by Laura Richardson. Despite the financial and endorsement backing Richardson had and the constant mention of his past troubles, Andrews took his campaign door-to-door and met with the voters and nearly pulled an upset. Almost seven years later that same formula worked as in a special election to fill the seat vacated by Richardson after her victory for State Assembly, Andrews who was an after-thought for many because two of his opponents had the backing of labor or business and endorsements from every “name player” in local politics. What did Andrews have? What was needed to win the 6th: a couple of thousand bucks, a million dollar smile and a dedication to his neighborhood, ideas to improve the district plus the ability to community these ideas to the residents—and most importantly the courage to not care who or what he was up against.
Like Doris Topsy-Elvord in 1992 challenging an incumbent and long odds, Andrews challenged institutions, PACs, a lot of cash and endorsement and still won. The dollars raised for this race per voter is staggering, and in the end it did not matter. The few thousand voters in the 6th District who bothered to vote told the unions and Chambers and Mayors and other elected and appointed officials involved in the race, “keep your money and your slick mailing pieces, we like our local guy—the one who has always been among us.” Good for them.
I do not know Dee Andrews, but I hope to get the chance some day to meet the man who showed us what democracy and local representation should be about: heart, intelligence, courage and loyalty and commitment.
Thank you Mr. Andrews for the civics lesson and congratulations on the victory!