Throughout this campaign I have been reminded of what wonderful friends and family I have been blessed to have. I must thank some really special people without whom I would never have been as successful as I was. First, my parents. Thank you for your support and your encouragement. Thanks for the good advice and the daily telephone conversations and hard work at getting my name out. Thanks for teaching me to work hard and play fair. Thanks for always standing behind every dream I have ever dreamed, no matter how big or daunting. I know that I am the person of character that I am today because of you.
Second, thank you to my friends who gave up so much of their time to help me with this endeavor. There are so many of you that I am sure to miss one or two when trying to list you all by name. But, let me try. I want to say thank you to Jill Hume. Jill, you have been such a good friend. You have walked, talked, and campaigned like a pro. You have addressed and stuffed envelopes and entered every email address that ever came along. I know I have a real friend in you and I appreciate you more than you know. Eli, thanks for putting up with me and Jill and all our obsessive campaigning. Thank you to Kyle Ayers, Michelle Watkins, and Jeff Smith. You all have criss-crossed this county putting up signs and any other crazy thing I needed you to do. Thanks for stuffing envelopes, coming out to events and helping with all those signs. I am so grateful for your help and support. You all make every day more fun and I know I am blessed to have you in my life. I also have to say thank you to Kim and Joe for the encouragement and help. Thank you to Roosevelt, Katey B., Travis, Josh, Sonny, Lindsey, Brendan, and all the others who have done so much to support me.
Thank you to my co-workers at the County Attorney's Domestic Violence, Sex Crimes, and Child Abuse Unit for taking up the slack while I ran in and out to go to campaign events. Thanks especially to Marlene, my wonderful Victim Advocate, for being so patient with my constantly distracted attitude.
Thank you to all the police and sheriffs who helped to spread the word and get my name out. You ladies and gentlemen are wonderful and I appreciate you all so much for what you do for me as a friend and for the community as a whole.
Thank you to Dea Riley, a smart, sassy woman I want to be just like. You have helped to calm me down and given me great advice. I am lucky to have you on my side.
Thank you to Jeff Klusmeier for all the beautiful print work and media. I appreciate the times you did it on credit until the funds could be raised and the way you kept an eye on me and helped me find the right places to go.
Thank you to everyone who voted for me and sent so many words of encouragement. I feel blessed to have your respect and trust.
Thank you to all my new friends who have been so supportive and enthusiastic, Bishop Lyons, Pastor Franklin, the Bargers, Bob Huegland, Dwight Witten and the rest.
Thank you to my cousin Brandy for keeping the accounts squared away. I am glad we learned this whole election finance thing together. You have always been like a sister to me and you made the maddening reporting process so much more fun. I am also thankful you always had all that candy on hand!
Thanks to the rest of my family, Uncle Ronnie, Aunt Joyce, my brother and treasurer, Mike Hawkins, Kelley Hawkins, and all the rest of you. Thanks for being patient and understanding while the people most important to me, you guys, were put on the back burner for these past few months.
I could go on and on. Again, I am sure there are several I haven't named here, but please know how much I appreciate you. I love you all and couldn't have done this without you! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Some People Like Me
I had yet another experience that leads me to believe that I may be way too naive to be a "politician". A man recently approached me at a political event and told me how I needed someone in his part of town to help put up signs and get my name out to help me get votes there. He said he would love to help me. I really appreciated this of course and was glad to take him up on his offer. Well, that is until he started telling me how much it would cost to buy his help and support. I started cracking up and told him "thanks anyway!" I can't imagine that I would have to pay someone to help with my campaign.
Luckily, I have friends and supporters in his part of town who are helping me because they know I will be a great judge. I haven't had to pay them a thing, although I did buy one a cheeseburger one night after a long day of sign planting.
I am amazed to learn that several of the candidates are paying people to do this work for them. It is crazy! In my humble opinion, this is the reason we don't have more good candidates. I am not the candidate who has raised the most money and I think I have done quite well with what I have raised. But, there is no way I could be as successful as I have been without my good friends and family members who spend their time and energy helping me for nothing in return but my undying love and gratefulness.
Frankly, I do quite a bit of this on my own as well. Someone commented to me the other day that they saw me on the side of the road nailing fence posts into someone's yard for one of my big signs. They were amazed that someone like me would be out there putting up my own sign. I am not sure what he meant by "someone like me." It needed to be done, it was close to my house and I am quite able-bodied, so I did it. I have had people email me and ask if it will really be me who replies to their message or one of my staff. I have had voice mails where someone has said, "This message is for Allyson or whomever returns her messages." I am the only one who responds to messages left for or sent to me. If someone will take the time and expend the energy to reach out and contact me, he or she deserves a response from me.
The fact is that my volunteers are working themselves to death to help me. It would not be "like me" at all to sit back and do nothing or act like the untouchable superstar candidate while they are out doing the dirty work. I personally write a thank you note to everyone who gives a campaign contribution or offers some special support. I think it is the least I can do for someone who is helping me reach my goals.
The reason our leaders are not more in touch with the regular person on the street is because common people, like me, can't afford to run for office when everyone seems to have a hand out, expecting something in return for their support. I don't have tens of thousands of dollars to spend on television commercials and glossy county-wide mailings. I don't have the money and power that some of my opponents do to coerce support and endorsements even when not the best candidate. I will do the best I can with what I have (as usual) but it has been said to me that whomever has the most money to buy the race will win. If I have to buy the race to win, then I don't want to win. If I can't win on my own merit, then I don't want to win. If I have to sell my soul to the highest bidder to win, then I don't want to win. If I have to be hard working, accessible, ethical and true to my heart to win, then I WILL WIN.
As a judge, I will have to deal with people who are facing eviction, who may not know from where their next meal will come or how their babies will get medicine or other necessities. I am always sad in criminal court when I see a person charged with shoplifting things like deodorant, diapers, or other basic things we take for granted. It happens more than you would think.
How is someone who has never had to work hard, who is too good to stand on the side of the road and put up her own yard signs, going to identify with a person in court like those I have described? It is really no wonder that the public feels like the Judiciary doesn't identify with them.
I am someone who does. Don't get me wrong, I have been very blessed and given many opportunities that others have not. But I grew up in a home with a single mom and two older brothers. There were times my mom sat at the table but didn't eat dinner with us. At the time, I thought it was because she was on a diet. I later learned it was because she wanted to make sure her babies ate first and if there was enough, she would eat second. She had to work an extra job many times just to be sure we all had what we needed and that we could be involved in piano lessons , sports and all the other opportunities we enjoyed. She went to school at night so that she could get a degree and make a better life for us. She eventually did graduate and things were better financially. I do not want to give the impression that my dad wasn't around or didn't help support me. He did and was a good dad who met his responsibilities and more.
My point is simply that people have hard times. Life isn't always golf games and private school. Some people, like me, get student loans and are still buried in them years later. Some people, like me, are working jobs that keep them living from month to month, hoping the roof doesn't leak or some other disaster that will cause financial shortfalls for months. Some people, like me, are worrying about pay cuts and lay-offs. Some people, like me, have to decide what to spend money on each month in order to be sure the checking account isn't overdrawn. Some people, like me, work an extra job at Christmas to be sure they can buy a present or two.
I understand that regular people work hard and want to be respected for their work ethic more than their bank accounts. I know that as a judge, I will be able to understand and identify with the public who stands before me. I believe that people should work hard and make their way in this world like I and my parents have done.
Some people believe that he who has the money owns the world. Some people believe they can bully and threaten and throw their influence around to achieve what they want. After all, that is much easier than working hard or achieving things on your own merit. Some people believe that they can lie or shade the truth to pretend that they are something they are not. Some people believe that they are entitled to something just because of who they are.
But, some people, like me, are tired of these people ruling the world. Some people, like me, are going to make sure that these people don't rule the world. Some people, like me, are going to vote on May 20th and hope our voices are heard and that change occurs. Some people, like me, hope the Judiciary will become more fair and consider merit, character and facts more than socio-economic status, political and personal ties, or wealth when deciding cases. Some people, like me, are hoping that the electorate will research the candidates and not just vote for the one with the most commercials or yard signs. Some people, like me, hope that things will be different this time.
If you are someone like me and agree with me, then vote for the best candidate... someone like me! When the Opportunity Knocks, Vote Allyson Cox!
Happy Mother's Day Mom! Thanks for all the sacrifices you made for me and the boys and the sacrifices you still make. Thanks for raising me to be the hard working, compassionate, fair-minded and honest person that I am... someone like you! I love you!
Luckily, I have friends and supporters in his part of town who are helping me because they know I will be a great judge. I haven't had to pay them a thing, although I did buy one a cheeseburger one night after a long day of sign planting.
I am amazed to learn that several of the candidates are paying people to do this work for them. It is crazy! In my humble opinion, this is the reason we don't have more good candidates. I am not the candidate who has raised the most money and I think I have done quite well with what I have raised. But, there is no way I could be as successful as I have been without my good friends and family members who spend their time and energy helping me for nothing in return but my undying love and gratefulness.
Frankly, I do quite a bit of this on my own as well. Someone commented to me the other day that they saw me on the side of the road nailing fence posts into someone's yard for one of my big signs. They were amazed that someone like me would be out there putting up my own sign. I am not sure what he meant by "someone like me." It needed to be done, it was close to my house and I am quite able-bodied, so I did it. I have had people email me and ask if it will really be me who replies to their message or one of my staff. I have had voice mails where someone has said, "This message is for Allyson or whomever returns her messages." I am the only one who responds to messages left for or sent to me. If someone will take the time and expend the energy to reach out and contact me, he or she deserves a response from me.
The fact is that my volunteers are working themselves to death to help me. It would not be "like me" at all to sit back and do nothing or act like the untouchable superstar candidate while they are out doing the dirty work. I personally write a thank you note to everyone who gives a campaign contribution or offers some special support. I think it is the least I can do for someone who is helping me reach my goals.
The reason our leaders are not more in touch with the regular person on the street is because common people, like me, can't afford to run for office when everyone seems to have a hand out, expecting something in return for their support. I don't have tens of thousands of dollars to spend on television commercials and glossy county-wide mailings. I don't have the money and power that some of my opponents do to coerce support and endorsements even when not the best candidate. I will do the best I can with what I have (as usual) but it has been said to me that whomever has the most money to buy the race will win. If I have to buy the race to win, then I don't want to win. If I can't win on my own merit, then I don't want to win. If I have to sell my soul to the highest bidder to win, then I don't want to win. If I have to be hard working, accessible, ethical and true to my heart to win, then I WILL WIN.
As a judge, I will have to deal with people who are facing eviction, who may not know from where their next meal will come or how their babies will get medicine or other necessities. I am always sad in criminal court when I see a person charged with shoplifting things like deodorant, diapers, or other basic things we take for granted. It happens more than you would think.
How is someone who has never had to work hard, who is too good to stand on the side of the road and put up her own yard signs, going to identify with a person in court like those I have described? It is really no wonder that the public feels like the Judiciary doesn't identify with them.
I am someone who does. Don't get me wrong, I have been very blessed and given many opportunities that others have not. But I grew up in a home with a single mom and two older brothers. There were times my mom sat at the table but didn't eat dinner with us. At the time, I thought it was because she was on a diet. I later learned it was because she wanted to make sure her babies ate first and if there was enough, she would eat second. She had to work an extra job many times just to be sure we all had what we needed and that we could be involved in piano lessons , sports and all the other opportunities we enjoyed. She went to school at night so that she could get a degree and make a better life for us. She eventually did graduate and things were better financially. I do not want to give the impression that my dad wasn't around or didn't help support me. He did and was a good dad who met his responsibilities and more.
My point is simply that people have hard times. Life isn't always golf games and private school. Some people, like me, get student loans and are still buried in them years later. Some people, like me, are working jobs that keep them living from month to month, hoping the roof doesn't leak or some other disaster that will cause financial shortfalls for months. Some people, like me, are worrying about pay cuts and lay-offs. Some people, like me, have to decide what to spend money on each month in order to be sure the checking account isn't overdrawn. Some people, like me, work an extra job at Christmas to be sure they can buy a present or two.
I understand that regular people work hard and want to be respected for their work ethic more than their bank accounts. I know that as a judge, I will be able to understand and identify with the public who stands before me. I believe that people should work hard and make their way in this world like I and my parents have done.
Some people believe that he who has the money owns the world. Some people believe they can bully and threaten and throw their influence around to achieve what they want. After all, that is much easier than working hard or achieving things on your own merit. Some people believe that they can lie or shade the truth to pretend that they are something they are not. Some people believe that they are entitled to something just because of who they are.
But, some people, like me, are tired of these people ruling the world. Some people, like me, are going to make sure that these people don't rule the world. Some people, like me, are going to vote on May 20th and hope our voices are heard and that change occurs. Some people, like me, hope the Judiciary will become more fair and consider merit, character and facts more than socio-economic status, political and personal ties, or wealth when deciding cases. Some people, like me, are hoping that the electorate will research the candidates and not just vote for the one with the most commercials or yard signs. Some people, like me, hope that things will be different this time.
If you are someone like me and agree with me, then vote for the best candidate... someone like me! When the Opportunity Knocks, Vote Allyson Cox!
Happy Mother's Day Mom! Thanks for all the sacrifices you made for me and the boys and the sacrifices you still make. Thanks for raising me to be the hard working, compassionate, fair-minded and honest person that I am... someone like you! I love you!
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
So much to do, so little time!
Wow, only 20 days left until the Primary! I can't believe how quickly time has passed and how well this has gone for me considering the money I have been able to raise.
I have been working really hard to get my name out and so have all my wonderful friends, family and supporters. I have to say a special "thank you" to Pastor Franklin and Bishop Lyons at the Gospel Missionary Baptist Church on Vermont Avenue. They have given me so much support and I really appreciate it. That goes for you too Roosevelt. Thanks for driving me around and helping me find sign locations. It is going to be a successful campaign and you all are partly the reason. Also, thank you to the law enforcement community. You have done so much to help spread the word and I cannot thank you enough. You may not be able to give a maximum campaign contribution, but the contribution of your good names and contacts is more important than any amount of money could ever be. That also goes for all my volunteers. There are so many of you and I want you to know that it is not lost on me how much easier it is for a rich person to write a check than it is for a hard working one to donate his or her time. Your sacrifices of time and energy show true dedication and friendship. I appreciate it. I know I don't tell you enough how important it is to me that you do this for no other reason than that you know I am the best one for the job and because you love and support me.
Thanks to Jeff, Kyle, Michelle and Jill for all the feedback and help. Thanks to my family in Frankfort who are constantly asking for funds and votes from Louisville contacts. Also, to each of you who are writing and calling your friends and family and asking them to vote for me, thank you for letting me sponge off your good name. I appreciate that you feel comfortable putting it on the line for me.
I will be everywhere this weekend. I have tickets to Oaks, so I will be there enjoying myself, but still campaigning. Everyone listen to 840 AM (WHAS) on Oaks and Derby Day.
I have 5 events to attend tomorrow night. Thanks to Jeff, Kyle and Jill for all the feedback and help. Thanks to Lindsey Scott for getting me into that big event... you know what I am talking about, and to Paul for getting me VIP treatment at the other.
I will be on Broadway and at other events on Saturday. After Derby weekend is over, we are going to kick it in gear. I know, you are thinking, "Allyson, you never sleep and you go anywhere 2 people are gathered". All I can tell you is that you haven't seen anything yet.
I have had several friends tell me that they are tired of seeing my name and face all over town. I am happy to hear that! It means the word is out and we are on the right track.
I made a commercial last week. So, watch for it on TV closer to the Primary. Thanks Jill, Carrie, Joe, Kim, Lindsey, and of course, Babygirl Berkley for being in the commercial!
Finally, I am saving my rantings for the end for once. Part of campaigning is yard signs. I want to say "thank you" to my supporters for being such high class people. You do not steal signs and I appreciate that. As you all know, I have signs that get stolen all the time. We have had to replace signs in some spots 6 or 7 times! It seems that someone out there is so afraid of me and considers me such a threat that he or she believes I will lose this election if my signs are stolen. Whoever you are, just know that for every one you steal, 2 more go up in its place. Please, grow up and get some ethics and integrity. You KNOW this campaign would not stoop to such levels. Why don't you follow our good example and run a clean race? It will show a real strength of character on your part.
I hope you all have a safe, happy and sunny Derby Weekend. Can't wait to see you at the Polls on May 20th!
"When the Opportunity Knocks, Vote Allyson Cox"
I have been working really hard to get my name out and so have all my wonderful friends, family and supporters. I have to say a special "thank you" to Pastor Franklin and Bishop Lyons at the Gospel Missionary Baptist Church on Vermont Avenue. They have given me so much support and I really appreciate it. That goes for you too Roosevelt. Thanks for driving me around and helping me find sign locations. It is going to be a successful campaign and you all are partly the reason. Also, thank you to the law enforcement community. You have done so much to help spread the word and I cannot thank you enough. You may not be able to give a maximum campaign contribution, but the contribution of your good names and contacts is more important than any amount of money could ever be. That also goes for all my volunteers. There are so many of you and I want you to know that it is not lost on me how much easier it is for a rich person to write a check than it is for a hard working one to donate his or her time. Your sacrifices of time and energy show true dedication and friendship. I appreciate it. I know I don't tell you enough how important it is to me that you do this for no other reason than that you know I am the best one for the job and because you love and support me.
Thanks to Jeff, Kyle, Michelle and Jill for all the feedback and help. Thanks to my family in Frankfort who are constantly asking for funds and votes from Louisville contacts. Also, to each of you who are writing and calling your friends and family and asking them to vote for me, thank you for letting me sponge off your good name. I appreciate that you feel comfortable putting it on the line for me.
I will be everywhere this weekend. I have tickets to Oaks, so I will be there enjoying myself, but still campaigning. Everyone listen to 840 AM (WHAS) on Oaks and Derby Day.
I have 5 events to attend tomorrow night. Thanks to Jeff, Kyle and Jill for all the feedback and help. Thanks to Lindsey Scott for getting me into that big event... you know what I am talking about, and to Paul for getting me VIP treatment at the other.
I will be on Broadway and at other events on Saturday. After Derby weekend is over, we are going to kick it in gear. I know, you are thinking, "Allyson, you never sleep and you go anywhere 2 people are gathered". All I can tell you is that you haven't seen anything yet.
I have had several friends tell me that they are tired of seeing my name and face all over town. I am happy to hear that! It means the word is out and we are on the right track.
I made a commercial last week. So, watch for it on TV closer to the Primary. Thanks Jill, Carrie, Joe, Kim, Lindsey, and of course, Babygirl Berkley for being in the commercial!
Finally, I am saving my rantings for the end for once. Part of campaigning is yard signs. I want to say "thank you" to my supporters for being such high class people. You do not steal signs and I appreciate that. As you all know, I have signs that get stolen all the time. We have had to replace signs in some spots 6 or 7 times! It seems that someone out there is so afraid of me and considers me such a threat that he or she believes I will lose this election if my signs are stolen. Whoever you are, just know that for every one you steal, 2 more go up in its place. Please, grow up and get some ethics and integrity. You KNOW this campaign would not stoop to such levels. Why don't you follow our good example and run a clean race? It will show a real strength of character on your part.
I hope you all have a safe, happy and sunny Derby Weekend. Can't wait to see you at the Polls on May 20th!
"When the Opportunity Knocks, Vote Allyson Cox"
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Headed Down the Home Stretch
With just 28 days until the Primary (May 20th, you know, the day you go to the polls and vote for Allyson Cox), things are really heating up. I need your help to make this campaign a success and move forward to the General Election in November.
I must first say that my last blog was a rant, yes, I admit it. I was on a tangent. But, so many have approached me or emailed me to tell me how much they appreciate someone FINALLY telling the truth about what is going on in this race. It has also been brought to my attention on a daily basis that the community at large already knows of the bad behavior I wrote about and is not going to fall for it. I am sorry if I underestimated the voters of this community. It seems the unethical behavior and arm-twisting is not only going to fail, but it is ultimately going to backfire.
That being said, let's focus on the few weeks of hard work that lay ahead. There will soon be a calendar of events posted to this web site. Obviously, there are so many events going on during the next 2 weeks in preparation for Derby, that I cannot possibly go to every one. That means I need you to wear your "Cox for Judge" t-shirts EVERYWHERE you go. Each time you wear one you are reaching a potential voter. You are the best advertising money can't buy.
There are some very important events for which I need mass quantities of volunteers in shirts. The first is this Saturday (April 19th). The mini/marathon runs right past my house. We will meet here at 7 am to cheer on the runners. There are at least 2 locations where we will be standing. I need you and your enthusiasm. Please come out and help with this event. There will also be a Stop the Violence Motorcade and Rally on May 17th, the Saturday before the Primary. We will be walking neighborhoods that morning after attending State Rep. Joni Jenkins' Breakfast. I need cars for the motorcade (we have signs you can attach to the side of your vehicles) and feet for the neighborhood walk.
Also, the last few days before the Primary, we will be walking neighborhoods that have traditionally had high voter turnout. I need lots of feet on the ground. We will go in groups with door hangers, so don't be shy. This is a great way to meet voters and ask them directly for their votes.
Friend to Friend postcards are also in. These are merely little postcards that you sign and address and send to all the Louisvillians in your address book. They are 26 cents a piece to mail. You can provide the postage and mail them about 10 days before the Primary or return them to me and the campaign will pay the postage and ensure they get mailed. If you are interested in mailing out postcards, please email me to let me know how many you need and where to deliver them.
Finally, there are going to be large yard signs with my name and face on them all over town. These signs are 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide. Although we have several generous people who are willing to live with my big face in their front yards, we still need more locations. We have about 15 more signs with no designated home. If you know someone who lives or has a business on a high traffic street here in town, please ask them if we can put a large sign in their yard and then let me know.
I appreciate so much all the help and support I am getting from my friends and family. I know there are many other things you could be doing with your time and it means more than you know that you would dedicate so much of it to helping me fulfill my goals. You are greatly loved and appreciated. Thank you also to my wonderful courthouse sheriffs who are using up their afternoons to put out large yard signs.
If you can help with any of these events, mailing postcards, or with locations for signs, big or small, please contact me at cox4judge@insightbb.com. Thank you again for your support and don't forget to vote for me on May 20th!
WHEN THE OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS, VOTE ALLYSON COX!
I must first say that my last blog was a rant, yes, I admit it. I was on a tangent. But, so many have approached me or emailed me to tell me how much they appreciate someone FINALLY telling the truth about what is going on in this race. It has also been brought to my attention on a daily basis that the community at large already knows of the bad behavior I wrote about and is not going to fall for it. I am sorry if I underestimated the voters of this community. It seems the unethical behavior and arm-twisting is not only going to fail, but it is ultimately going to backfire.
That being said, let's focus on the few weeks of hard work that lay ahead. There will soon be a calendar of events posted to this web site. Obviously, there are so many events going on during the next 2 weeks in preparation for Derby, that I cannot possibly go to every one. That means I need you to wear your "Cox for Judge" t-shirts EVERYWHERE you go. Each time you wear one you are reaching a potential voter. You are the best advertising money can't buy.
There are some very important events for which I need mass quantities of volunteers in shirts. The first is this Saturday (April 19th). The mini/marathon runs right past my house. We will meet here at 7 am to cheer on the runners. There are at least 2 locations where we will be standing. I need you and your enthusiasm. Please come out and help with this event. There will also be a Stop the Violence Motorcade and Rally on May 17th, the Saturday before the Primary. We will be walking neighborhoods that morning after attending State Rep. Joni Jenkins' Breakfast. I need cars for the motorcade (we have signs you can attach to the side of your vehicles) and feet for the neighborhood walk.
Also, the last few days before the Primary, we will be walking neighborhoods that have traditionally had high voter turnout. I need lots of feet on the ground. We will go in groups with door hangers, so don't be shy. This is a great way to meet voters and ask them directly for their votes.
Friend to Friend postcards are also in. These are merely little postcards that you sign and address and send to all the Louisvillians in your address book. They are 26 cents a piece to mail. You can provide the postage and mail them about 10 days before the Primary or return them to me and the campaign will pay the postage and ensure they get mailed. If you are interested in mailing out postcards, please email me to let me know how many you need and where to deliver them.
Finally, there are going to be large yard signs with my name and face on them all over town. These signs are 3 feet tall and 5 feet wide. Although we have several generous people who are willing to live with my big face in their front yards, we still need more locations. We have about 15 more signs with no designated home. If you know someone who lives or has a business on a high traffic street here in town, please ask them if we can put a large sign in their yard and then let me know.
I appreciate so much all the help and support I am getting from my friends and family. I know there are many other things you could be doing with your time and it means more than you know that you would dedicate so much of it to helping me fulfill my goals. You are greatly loved and appreciated. Thank you also to my wonderful courthouse sheriffs who are using up their afternoons to put out large yard signs.
If you can help with any of these events, mailing postcards, or with locations for signs, big or small, please contact me at cox4judge@insightbb.com. Thank you again for your support and don't forget to vote for me on May 20th!
WHEN THE OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS, VOTE ALLYSON COX!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
All Is Fair in Love, War... and Politics
First, let me say that I have waited an unusually long time to post a new blog so that the one I wrote in honor of my Great Aunt would not be replaced before everyone had a chance to read it. If you missed it, please check it out.
That being said, an update on the campaign is probably in order. There hasn't been much of anything going on in this town that I have not attended. I am certainly working hard to get my name out and reach as many voters as I can.
On Saturday the 15th, I attended the Virginia Avenue Missionary Baptist Church for the 10th Annual Brotherhood Brunch. The people of this church were so nice. They were welcoming and inclusive and I really did have a great time. I appreciate Bobby Cordery for inviting me to attend. I was the only candidate there and I got the chance to meet some great folks and make strong contacts. The breakfast was wonderful too, so it was a winning situation all the way around.
Since then I have been to just about every local party club meeting and some union meetings. I have been trying very hard to contact the local unions, trying to get an opportunity to meet their members. Unfortunately, there are bigger forces at play in this election and I and other candidates have been shut out from attending these meetings. With a few exceptions, all the union endorsements that have been made in this race have been made without any candidate other than the one endorsed being allowed to address the group. Therefore, be sure to take that into consideration when you hear someone say they have an endorsement from one of these groups. What is an endorsement worth if all the candidates are not going to be considered before the decision is made?
I do want to acknowledge the groups that did allow me to speak to them. Those groups were the UAW, the JCTA, the Iron Workers, and the Building & Trades. I also have upcoming meetings with some of the other groups and I hope they will be listening with open minds and fair heads. There are some really rich and powerful people pulling the strings in this race, strong arming many of the local organizations into supporting a certain candidate. I understand that sometimes pressure and influence can be overwhelming, but union members above all should understand the importance of standing up to these types of pressures. If their founding fathers hadn't had the guts to stand up to power, privilege, money and intimidation, there would be no unions for me to blog about now. However, I am not angry or upset with any of these groups. I will go to them when I make it through this primary and ask for their support all over again.
This brings me to my next ranting which is the sad and unethical behavior that is being exhibited in this race. I never expected that candidates seeking such an important position, where people's lives are in their hands, would act any way other than with the utmost respect, strength of character and dignity. I must say that most of the candidates have acted in exactly that manner. To those colleagues of mine, thank you for being such high quality people. You have certainly earned my respect through this process. We all know who among us has not acted that way and we must work even harder, together, to make sure that these tactics do not work. We owe it to our community, the Justice System and our profession to make sure such behavior leads to failure.
When I decided to run in this campaign a very wise politician said to me, "Now you will find out who your friends are." Always the naive and endlessly loyal person, I thought that I had nothing to worry about because my friends would return the same loyalty to me that I had shown to them. Well Mr. Politician, you were right! I am not afraid to admit that I was wrong. I have worked on quite a few campaigns in my day. Some I even gave up any life of my own to help with. Those people all promised to help me if I ever needed anything. There has not been one person I helped get elected who has stepped up to help me in this race. Frankly, they haven't even offered an explanation or responded to any request I have made for help. There have been people I considered long time friends who are actively fund-raising for other people; colleagues who say they are giving money to another candidate because they fear "retribution" from the bench if they don't. This means that the person who can't be trusted to be fair and do the right thing is not only being rewarded, but also re-enforced. What a backward and frankly cowardly way of thinking.
It is disappointing and eye-opening. People keep telling me that is just politics and although I understand that, it doesn't make it right. There is all kinds of false information, undue influence and inappropriate behavior going on. Every one who has seen it knows it and is amazed by it. I only hope that doing the wrong thing backfires on those who have chosen to adopt that as their strategy for winning this race. I may not be the richest, most powerful, or even the most well- connected candidate in this campaign. But, at the end of the day, even if I don't win, I will be able to look myself in the face and know that I never stooped to that level. Those of you who know me know that I believe firmly that the right thing to do and the hard thing to do are usually the same thing. I will continue to do the right thing, even when it is hard or there is an easier avenue that could be taken. That is a promise I make to myself and every person who loves and supports me, because I know they would expect no less from me.
I am urging anyone who is not fully informed on this race to research the candidates. There are some good ones. There are also some candidates that scare me, as a prosecutor. There are candidates in this race who have never stepped foot in District Court and others who have never had a trial and barely have had a license long enough to qualify to run (which is 2 years). The thought of prosecuting a case in front of a judge or jury when the judge presiding has never tried a case before is scary. There are candidates who have tons of experience, but it is all based on defending people who victimize and terrorize the members of this community. As someone who has been in the trenches in District Court, helping victims of crime, drying children's and mothers' tears, and fighting for the voiceless in our community, I am not only frightened by the lack of respect for this court but also offended that some think they can do this job with no training or experience in the workings of District Court. I hope that the citizens of this community will be given better than that, they certainly deserve better.
I am the only candidate trained to use all the computer systems that judges are required to use. That may not sound important, but it is. It means that the minute I am elected, I will be ready to sit at the bench and do my job, without wasting any taxpayer time or money. I am the best person for this job. I am fair, compassionate and I know the system in District Court. I need every one to help me get elected by spreading the word to vote for me. I am the first name on the ballot, a great position to be in. So please, tell every friend you have to do right by this community and vote for me on May 20th.
I have so many great people supporting me. Besides my family, there are my good friends, Jill, Kim, Sonny, Jeff, Kyle, Michelle, Travis, and the rest who are putting up yard signs like crazy and telling everyone they meet to vote for me. I really appreciate that hard work. I hope they all know that I will always be there to support them should they ever need my help. I love you and appreciate you all and I will never forget the sacrifices of time and energy that you make to help me pursue my dream. Thanks to everyone who attended and helped to make the fundraiser on the 22nd not only fun, but also a success. Thank you to Celebration Catering (my mom, Aunt Joyce and Uncle Ronnie own and operate it) for donating the food. It was really good, as always. Finally, thank you to an awesome rock band, Grindstone, for cutting us a break. Rob, I hope you know how much it means that you did this for me. You are a good friend.
That being said, an update on the campaign is probably in order. There hasn't been much of anything going on in this town that I have not attended. I am certainly working hard to get my name out and reach as many voters as I can.
On Saturday the 15th, I attended the Virginia Avenue Missionary Baptist Church for the 10th Annual Brotherhood Brunch. The people of this church were so nice. They were welcoming and inclusive and I really did have a great time. I appreciate Bobby Cordery for inviting me to attend. I was the only candidate there and I got the chance to meet some great folks and make strong contacts. The breakfast was wonderful too, so it was a winning situation all the way around.
Since then I have been to just about every local party club meeting and some union meetings. I have been trying very hard to contact the local unions, trying to get an opportunity to meet their members. Unfortunately, there are bigger forces at play in this election and I and other candidates have been shut out from attending these meetings. With a few exceptions, all the union endorsements that have been made in this race have been made without any candidate other than the one endorsed being allowed to address the group. Therefore, be sure to take that into consideration when you hear someone say they have an endorsement from one of these groups. What is an endorsement worth if all the candidates are not going to be considered before the decision is made?
I do want to acknowledge the groups that did allow me to speak to them. Those groups were the UAW, the JCTA, the Iron Workers, and the Building & Trades. I also have upcoming meetings with some of the other groups and I hope they will be listening with open minds and fair heads. There are some really rich and powerful people pulling the strings in this race, strong arming many of the local organizations into supporting a certain candidate. I understand that sometimes pressure and influence can be overwhelming, but union members above all should understand the importance of standing up to these types of pressures. If their founding fathers hadn't had the guts to stand up to power, privilege, money and intimidation, there would be no unions for me to blog about now. However, I am not angry or upset with any of these groups. I will go to them when I make it through this primary and ask for their support all over again.
This brings me to my next ranting which is the sad and unethical behavior that is being exhibited in this race. I never expected that candidates seeking such an important position, where people's lives are in their hands, would act any way other than with the utmost respect, strength of character and dignity. I must say that most of the candidates have acted in exactly that manner. To those colleagues of mine, thank you for being such high quality people. You have certainly earned my respect through this process. We all know who among us has not acted that way and we must work even harder, together, to make sure that these tactics do not work. We owe it to our community, the Justice System and our profession to make sure such behavior leads to failure.
When I decided to run in this campaign a very wise politician said to me, "Now you will find out who your friends are." Always the naive and endlessly loyal person, I thought that I had nothing to worry about because my friends would return the same loyalty to me that I had shown to them. Well Mr. Politician, you were right! I am not afraid to admit that I was wrong. I have worked on quite a few campaigns in my day. Some I even gave up any life of my own to help with. Those people all promised to help me if I ever needed anything. There has not been one person I helped get elected who has stepped up to help me in this race. Frankly, they haven't even offered an explanation or responded to any request I have made for help. There have been people I considered long time friends who are actively fund-raising for other people; colleagues who say they are giving money to another candidate because they fear "retribution" from the bench if they don't. This means that the person who can't be trusted to be fair and do the right thing is not only being rewarded, but also re-enforced. What a backward and frankly cowardly way of thinking.
It is disappointing and eye-opening. People keep telling me that is just politics and although I understand that, it doesn't make it right. There is all kinds of false information, undue influence and inappropriate behavior going on. Every one who has seen it knows it and is amazed by it. I only hope that doing the wrong thing backfires on those who have chosen to adopt that as their strategy for winning this race. I may not be the richest, most powerful, or even the most well- connected candidate in this campaign. But, at the end of the day, even if I don't win, I will be able to look myself in the face and know that I never stooped to that level. Those of you who know me know that I believe firmly that the right thing to do and the hard thing to do are usually the same thing. I will continue to do the right thing, even when it is hard or there is an easier avenue that could be taken. That is a promise I make to myself and every person who loves and supports me, because I know they would expect no less from me.
I am urging anyone who is not fully informed on this race to research the candidates. There are some good ones. There are also some candidates that scare me, as a prosecutor. There are candidates in this race who have never stepped foot in District Court and others who have never had a trial and barely have had a license long enough to qualify to run (which is 2 years). The thought of prosecuting a case in front of a judge or jury when the judge presiding has never tried a case before is scary. There are candidates who have tons of experience, but it is all based on defending people who victimize and terrorize the members of this community. As someone who has been in the trenches in District Court, helping victims of crime, drying children's and mothers' tears, and fighting for the voiceless in our community, I am not only frightened by the lack of respect for this court but also offended that some think they can do this job with no training or experience in the workings of District Court. I hope that the citizens of this community will be given better than that, they certainly deserve better.
I am the only candidate trained to use all the computer systems that judges are required to use. That may not sound important, but it is. It means that the minute I am elected, I will be ready to sit at the bench and do my job, without wasting any taxpayer time or money. I am the best person for this job. I am fair, compassionate and I know the system in District Court. I need every one to help me get elected by spreading the word to vote for me. I am the first name on the ballot, a great position to be in. So please, tell every friend you have to do right by this community and vote for me on May 20th.
I have so many great people supporting me. Besides my family, there are my good friends, Jill, Kim, Sonny, Jeff, Kyle, Michelle, Travis, and the rest who are putting up yard signs like crazy and telling everyone they meet to vote for me. I really appreciate that hard work. I hope they all know that I will always be there to support them should they ever need my help. I love you and appreciate you all and I will never forget the sacrifices of time and energy that you make to help me pursue my dream. Thanks to everyone who attended and helped to make the fundraiser on the 22nd not only fun, but also a success. Thank you to Celebration Catering (my mom, Aunt Joyce and Uncle Ronnie own and operate it) for donating the food. It was really good, as always. Finally, thank you to an awesome rock band, Grindstone, for cutting us a break. Rob, I hope you know how much it means that you did this for me. You are a good friend.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
The End of an Era
I planned to do my usual posting tonight about what has been going on in the campaign, to rant and rave about the hard lessons of politics that I am learning, and to mention those I need to thank. There are quite a few people who need to be thanked for their support and love. But, something happened today that made me put some things into perspective.
This is a story about Edith, Guy, Bernard, and Bettie Playforth, four siblings whose lives would make a great movie. They were all gorgeous in their day (they had these piercing blue eyes) and lived through good and bad times, war, babies, heartbreak, and tragedy. They made a real mark on their families and friends and the last one of them died today. Thus, the end of an era is upon us.
I never knew Bernard. He and Guy were twins and I think he died before I was born. But the other 3 I recall quite well. This story is theirs as I remember it. Some parts or facts I may not have exactly right. But, I know that the truth of their character, love, wit and enthusiasm is solid. I write this blog as a tribute to them all, but especially to my grandma #1, Edie and grandma #2, Betts.
One person who has always supported and love me is my Great Aunt, Bettie Jean Cornett (my beloved "Aunt Betts" or "Grandma Aunt Boots" as I began to call her after my real grandmother died). At 3:35 this afternoon, she drew her last, hard breath at the age of 78. Although she was my great aunt, she was more like a second grandmother. Her sister, Edith Padgett (sug, short for sugar), was my dad's mother and passed away a while ago when I was in school at Morehead State. My Grandma was the first person I really loved and felt close to that ever died and I was greatly affected by it. She suffered for a long time and I sometimes dream about her and think she kinda leads me in the right direction from above. I am blessed that Aunt Betts was there to carry on her legacy for me.
These ladies were both so influential in my life. I can't imagine that anyone has been as lucky as I have been to have them. They were both hilarious. They lived right next door to each other on Andalusia Lane in Valley Station. Aunt Betts had 3 children that she dedicated her life to. In a way, she really had 4 children. My dad, her nephew, was like her own. She was just a teenager when he was born. She used to tell me how she would cut school and eventually quit completely to go get him as a baby and spend all her time with him. I believe she even snuck him off to an Elvis concert once upon a time.
Aunt Betts had 3 kids of her own, Ricky, Vickie, and Kim. This is the part of her life where her faith and happy heart become so apparent. Ricky was born healthy, but then just after he was born, he stopped breathing. My Uncle Guy, (grandma & aunt Betts' brother) saved his life and resuscitated him. The time he went without oxygen however affected him to the point that he had cerebral palsy. He can walk and communicate (if you know how to decode his "language"). He cannot dress, feed or clean himself. She later gave birth to Vickie, who was also born healthy. At 9 years old, Vickie had a brain tumor on one side of her brain. Vickie survived the tumor, but has obviously affected speech and mobility. One side of her body is paralyzed, so she also needs help taking care of herself. Aunt Betts took care of them until they both moved to an assisted living home just a few years ago. It broke Aunt Betts' heart for a long time that she couldn't take care of those "kids" anymore and they had to go live somewhere else. She lived her whole life around them and I think she felt like she abandoned them, even though she was well into her 70's and in bad health before she was finally convinced they had to go live somewhere else.
Kimberly, her youngest daughter, was born healthy and normal and has also had to bare the burden of taking care of her siblings. Aunt Betts loved Kim and her two boys, Seth and Kyle, like nothing you have ever known. Her dedication to all these kids and her husband, my uncle Dick, were a true inspiration to all who met her. She always had a smile on her face, joking, praising God, and just acting like a fool. Anytime I thought my life was hard, I looked at Aunt Betts and all the things she had gone through and knew that I had it pretty good!
All that being said, my Aunt Betts would want me to focus on happy things. She was very religious and strong in her love and faith in God, so I know she is in a much happier place where she doesn't gasp for every breath with an oxygen tank in her nose. She is no longer bent over from osteoporosis in Heaven, I just feel sure of it.
Her impact on her kids and those she touched is obvious. But, I would be remiss if I failed to mention what she meant to me. I had a wonderful childhood partly because of her. I would spend most of my summers, spring breaks and Christmas breaks as a little girl running back and forth between their houses. Her husband, my Uncle Dick, was a big ol' gruff teddy bear who called me "Tasmanian devil" because I ran around so wildly all the time. He would sit in the living room with no shirt on and smoke Camels with no filters. He would call her "woman" and his "old lady." He worked at Fort Knox for as long as I can remember. Aunt Betts was crazy about him and frankly, so was I. He let me snuggle up close to him and eat out of his plate. People always thought that was amazing from this gruff guy who really had a heart of gold. He died when I was in college also. My heart was broken and Aunt Betts never stopped loving or talking about him for a second.
In those fun days of running back and forth between their houses we would stay up all night, playing Skip-Bo cards as partners. They would let me drink coffee, which no one but them ever let me do. We sang songs and laughed until the wee hours of the morning. I was the center of the world when I was there. They made cassette tapes of me telling stories about "Brier Bear and Brier Rabbit" that I had memorized and singing my Christmas songs from church. They would let me fix their hair, dress up in their jewelry and make-up, and play waitress, writing down their "orders" on a pad of paper and bringing them coffee. Every New Year we all went out into the street and banged the pots and pans, honked the car horns, and screamed "Happy New Year!" in voices as loud as we could muster. They would tell me all kinds of stories about when they were young, growing up in Crab Orchard and then in Louisville.
They talked about the years during the war and going to G.I. dances. Those 2 were attached at the hip. I think they were definitely the kind of chicks I would have been great friends with had we all been adults together. My favorite story they used to tell is one where they were all gussied up, heading to one of the G.I. dances. Somehow, they had gotten their hands on a convertible and took off down the road. When they got a steady speed going, they realized their hair was getting messed up. So, while driving down the road, they somehow shimmied off their girdles and put them over their heads. Those two drove all the way from Louisville to Fort Knox with the top down and their girdles on their heads, waiving at passing cars and blowing kisses to the men! When they got to the dance, they put their girdles back on in the parking lot and headed in, as made up and gorgeous as ever.
They were beautiful, strong, wild and fun. Their strength, character and love have surely been a part of me being who I am. My Aunt Betts missed my grandma something fierce after she died and she talked about her all the time. My last memories of both of them are as frail, sick, old women in hospital rooms. But, that is not the women they were. They only became that way on the outside from the hands of time. Their insides never changed. A couple weeks ago when I went to the nursing home to see Aunt Betts, she was still laughing and flirting with the male workers. She was bragging to everyone that I was running for judge and that everyone should vote for her Ally.
Aunt Betts' birthday would have been Monday. Grandma's Birthday is today. Betts really gave Sug a wonderful Birthday present today when she peacefully died. I was there with her, as was her daughter Kim, a family friend, and her brother Guy's daughter, Sharolyn. Her favorite nephew, my dad, Gary was there most of the day, but stepped out for a bit when she did die. Her life ended surrounded by four ladies, just sitting around her bed talking and laughing, trying to forget why we were there. Aunt Betts was such a social butterfly, she wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
Uncle Guy died this past November and Aunt Betts was too sick to go to his funeral. I can only imagine how badly that broke her heart. After that, she was the last of this wild crew left here with us. I remind myself when I wish she were still alive that I am being selfish. She wouldn't want us all to be sad today, but to celebrate. To celebrate our lives, our loves, our families and friends. I know heaven is rockin' tonight as the whole gang is back together. I imagine them there, Guy, Bernard, Sug, Betts, and Uncle Dick, looking like young angels, dancing and having a great Birthday and Welcome Home party.
Thank you to all of them for the impact their love and support has had on me. I am a better person for having known them all, even if only for a short time. I know they are smiling down on me tonight and singing proudly a song I remember them singing at that kitchen table in Aunt Betts' house, "Oh when we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the Victory"! Congratulations on your Victory Grandma Aunt Boots. Thank you for letting me be there to rub your hair and kiss your cheek and say "goodbye" before you died. I love you very much and I will see you and grandma in my dreams, I am sure.
This is a story about Edith, Guy, Bernard, and Bettie Playforth, four siblings whose lives would make a great movie. They were all gorgeous in their day (they had these piercing blue eyes) and lived through good and bad times, war, babies, heartbreak, and tragedy. They made a real mark on their families and friends and the last one of them died today. Thus, the end of an era is upon us.
I never knew Bernard. He and Guy were twins and I think he died before I was born. But the other 3 I recall quite well. This story is theirs as I remember it. Some parts or facts I may not have exactly right. But, I know that the truth of their character, love, wit and enthusiasm is solid. I write this blog as a tribute to them all, but especially to my grandma #1, Edie and grandma #2, Betts.
One person who has always supported and love me is my Great Aunt, Bettie Jean Cornett (my beloved "Aunt Betts" or "Grandma Aunt Boots" as I began to call her after my real grandmother died). At 3:35 this afternoon, she drew her last, hard breath at the age of 78. Although she was my great aunt, she was more like a second grandmother. Her sister, Edith Padgett (sug, short for sugar), was my dad's mother and passed away a while ago when I was in school at Morehead State. My Grandma was the first person I really loved and felt close to that ever died and I was greatly affected by it. She suffered for a long time and I sometimes dream about her and think she kinda leads me in the right direction from above. I am blessed that Aunt Betts was there to carry on her legacy for me.
These ladies were both so influential in my life. I can't imagine that anyone has been as lucky as I have been to have them. They were both hilarious. They lived right next door to each other on Andalusia Lane in Valley Station. Aunt Betts had 3 children that she dedicated her life to. In a way, she really had 4 children. My dad, her nephew, was like her own. She was just a teenager when he was born. She used to tell me how she would cut school and eventually quit completely to go get him as a baby and spend all her time with him. I believe she even snuck him off to an Elvis concert once upon a time.
Aunt Betts had 3 kids of her own, Ricky, Vickie, and Kim. This is the part of her life where her faith and happy heart become so apparent. Ricky was born healthy, but then just after he was born, he stopped breathing. My Uncle Guy, (grandma & aunt Betts' brother) saved his life and resuscitated him. The time he went without oxygen however affected him to the point that he had cerebral palsy. He can walk and communicate (if you know how to decode his "language"). He cannot dress, feed or clean himself. She later gave birth to Vickie, who was also born healthy. At 9 years old, Vickie had a brain tumor on one side of her brain. Vickie survived the tumor, but has obviously affected speech and mobility. One side of her body is paralyzed, so she also needs help taking care of herself. Aunt Betts took care of them until they both moved to an assisted living home just a few years ago. It broke Aunt Betts' heart for a long time that she couldn't take care of those "kids" anymore and they had to go live somewhere else. She lived her whole life around them and I think she felt like she abandoned them, even though she was well into her 70's and in bad health before she was finally convinced they had to go live somewhere else.
Kimberly, her youngest daughter, was born healthy and normal and has also had to bare the burden of taking care of her siblings. Aunt Betts loved Kim and her two boys, Seth and Kyle, like nothing you have ever known. Her dedication to all these kids and her husband, my uncle Dick, were a true inspiration to all who met her. She always had a smile on her face, joking, praising God, and just acting like a fool. Anytime I thought my life was hard, I looked at Aunt Betts and all the things she had gone through and knew that I had it pretty good!
All that being said, my Aunt Betts would want me to focus on happy things. She was very religious and strong in her love and faith in God, so I know she is in a much happier place where she doesn't gasp for every breath with an oxygen tank in her nose. She is no longer bent over from osteoporosis in Heaven, I just feel sure of it.
Her impact on her kids and those she touched is obvious. But, I would be remiss if I failed to mention what she meant to me. I had a wonderful childhood partly because of her. I would spend most of my summers, spring breaks and Christmas breaks as a little girl running back and forth between their houses. Her husband, my Uncle Dick, was a big ol' gruff teddy bear who called me "Tasmanian devil" because I ran around so wildly all the time. He would sit in the living room with no shirt on and smoke Camels with no filters. He would call her "woman" and his "old lady." He worked at Fort Knox for as long as I can remember. Aunt Betts was crazy about him and frankly, so was I. He let me snuggle up close to him and eat out of his plate. People always thought that was amazing from this gruff guy who really had a heart of gold. He died when I was in college also. My heart was broken and Aunt Betts never stopped loving or talking about him for a second.
In those fun days of running back and forth between their houses we would stay up all night, playing Skip-Bo cards as partners. They would let me drink coffee, which no one but them ever let me do. We sang songs and laughed until the wee hours of the morning. I was the center of the world when I was there. They made cassette tapes of me telling stories about "Brier Bear and Brier Rabbit" that I had memorized and singing my Christmas songs from church. They would let me fix their hair, dress up in their jewelry and make-up, and play waitress, writing down their "orders" on a pad of paper and bringing them coffee. Every New Year we all went out into the street and banged the pots and pans, honked the car horns, and screamed "Happy New Year!" in voices as loud as we could muster. They would tell me all kinds of stories about when they were young, growing up in Crab Orchard and then in Louisville.
They talked about the years during the war and going to G.I. dances. Those 2 were attached at the hip. I think they were definitely the kind of chicks I would have been great friends with had we all been adults together. My favorite story they used to tell is one where they were all gussied up, heading to one of the G.I. dances. Somehow, they had gotten their hands on a convertible and took off down the road. When they got a steady speed going, they realized their hair was getting messed up. So, while driving down the road, they somehow shimmied off their girdles and put them over their heads. Those two drove all the way from Louisville to Fort Knox with the top down and their girdles on their heads, waiving at passing cars and blowing kisses to the men! When they got to the dance, they put their girdles back on in the parking lot and headed in, as made up and gorgeous as ever.
They were beautiful, strong, wild and fun. Their strength, character and love have surely been a part of me being who I am. My Aunt Betts missed my grandma something fierce after she died and she talked about her all the time. My last memories of both of them are as frail, sick, old women in hospital rooms. But, that is not the women they were. They only became that way on the outside from the hands of time. Their insides never changed. A couple weeks ago when I went to the nursing home to see Aunt Betts, she was still laughing and flirting with the male workers. She was bragging to everyone that I was running for judge and that everyone should vote for her Ally.
Aunt Betts' birthday would have been Monday. Grandma's Birthday is today. Betts really gave Sug a wonderful Birthday present today when she peacefully died. I was there with her, as was her daughter Kim, a family friend, and her brother Guy's daughter, Sharolyn. Her favorite nephew, my dad, Gary was there most of the day, but stepped out for a bit when she did die. Her life ended surrounded by four ladies, just sitting around her bed talking and laughing, trying to forget why we were there. Aunt Betts was such a social butterfly, she wouldn't have wanted it any other way.
Uncle Guy died this past November and Aunt Betts was too sick to go to his funeral. I can only imagine how badly that broke her heart. After that, she was the last of this wild crew left here with us. I remind myself when I wish she were still alive that I am being selfish. She wouldn't want us all to be sad today, but to celebrate. To celebrate our lives, our loves, our families and friends. I know heaven is rockin' tonight as the whole gang is back together. I imagine them there, Guy, Bernard, Sug, Betts, and Uncle Dick, looking like young angels, dancing and having a great Birthday and Welcome Home party.
Thank you to all of them for the impact their love and support has had on me. I am a better person for having known them all, even if only for a short time. I know they are smiling down on me tonight and singing proudly a song I remember them singing at that kitchen table in Aunt Betts' house, "Oh when we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus, we'll sing and shout the Victory"! Congratulations on your Victory Grandma Aunt Boots. Thank you for letting me be there to rub your hair and kiss your cheek and say "goodbye" before you died. I love you very much and I will see you and grandma in my dreams, I am sure.
Thursday, March 6, 2008
A Common Goal
It has been a few days since I have been able to do a posting because I have been so busy working to reach Louisville voters. I have met many new people from so many different groups, but I am realizing more and more that we all have one common goal; to make the community in which we live better.
On Tuesday night (3/4/08) I attended the College Republicans Meeting at U of L. There were several students there and they were diligently addressing and stamping envelopes for an upcoming event as I talked to them about my candidacy for District Court Judge. It was nice to see a group of young people giving time to support their candidates when they could have been studying or socializing instead. I was very impressed with them and hope they felt the same about me. I will be honored to have their votes.
On Wednesday night (3/5/08) I attended my Junior League of Louisville Provisional Meeting. This is one of my regular activities outside of the campaign. The Junior League of Louisville is a non-profit service organization for women. I would recommend membership to any woman who wants to make a difference through community involvement and charity. This month's meeting was held at Gilda's Club, a place of peace, support and retreat for men, women, and children suffering from cancer and their families. I was touched by the video we were shown and I had to take a moment to appreciate that for all the trials and triumphs I have had in my attempt at becoming Judge, I am lucky to be healthy and able to fight this fight. The strength of the cancer patients there and the dedication of the people committed to Gilda's Club was heart warming and really made me put things in perspective. You can learn more about Gilda's Club of Louisville at http://www.gildasclublouisville.org/.
Today was the busiest day of all. I started the morning at the Greater Louisville Building and Construction Trades Council meeting. There were several candidates for different local, state, and judicial races at the meeting. The members of the council were very attentive and I appreciate their willingness to take time to listen to me as I explained my background, experience and beliefs. It was obvious to me that although it had nothing to do with their business at hand, they too believe this community deserves to have the best, most qualified judge in the 16th District. I was honored to meet with them all and hope to have their votes.
After we were excused so the council could begin its business meeting, I drove straight to the Capital in Frankfort. In just a short trip to the capital cafeteria with my mother (who seems to know everyone and is one of my biggest supporters and volunteers), I was able to make new contacts and ask for support from several lobbyists with organizations ranging from the National Humane Society to organizations for labor, children's advocacy and many more. It was the best trip to the lunch line ever! Thank you mom!
After lunch, I headed to the floor of the House of Representatives for an afternoon of watching the State's lawmakers at work. I recommend everyone go to the Capital and see how our laws are made. It kind of reminds me of a smaller, more southern Stock Exchange. There are people talking in the corners and running around as papers fly in every direction while the Speaker and the Floor Majority Leader call the bills and announce the votes. I just stood up against the wall and took it all in. I appreciate all those who can remember me when I was "just a little kid" and still go out of their way to shake my hand and wish me well. I appreciate them for taking the time to do that, when they so obviously don't have to.
At about 4 pm, the House adjourned into caucus meetings and I was off again to the Capital Plaza Hotel in Frankfort for an awards banquet to honor kids who have excelled in the Boys and Girls Club of Kentucky. My dad, who works to support the Association of Independent Colleges in Kentucky (like Bellarmine, Spaulding, etc) was there and local attorney, Oliver Barber, was a wonderful host to me. He introduced me to many new people who will be great contacts in my work to help children live a better life and achieve a brighter future. I spoke to several people at the banquet who agreed with me about the sad way we treat our children in this community. I could have talked about it forever, because it gets me so fired up and ready to go out and change the world. For more information on the nearest club or to become involved with the Boys and Girls Club of Louisville, visit www.uss.salvationarmy.org, enter your zip code and then click on the page for "programs and services."
Empowered by the knowledge that others care about the future of children just as I do, I was again in the car and on my way back to Louisville to attend the Metro Republican Women's Club meeting. This event was also well attended and I listened as their speaker talked about the club's political goals and how they could be met. I was allowed to address the group and ask for the members' votes. They too expressed agreement with my feelings that we have got to make a change in this community to make our District Court system serve us better and that we all have the common right and privilege to raise our children in a city where they are safe to play outside in the yard; where women with black eyes and bruises no longer run to the courthouse in the middle of the night to seek safety from an abuser who is supposed to love them. They too want a community where our daughters, mothers and sisters can walk down the street without becoming the next victim of a sex crime.
Just like me, they agreed that something has to be done to address the constant revolving door of the jail in this community. I argued to them that jail overcrowding cannot be addressed effectively by just deciding not to prosecute as diligently anymore or to just release criminals into the streets of Louisville.
Regardless of whether I win this election, I have confirmed what I believed all along; common sense, especially regarding crime, punishment, and community safety, knows no party affiliation, PAC, socioeconomic, geographic, or racial boundary.
I appreciate everyone who listened to me today and offered words of support, encouragement, and good wishes for my campaign. Each time I get such a promising response from voters, I become more committed to winning this election and being your next District Court Judge. Thank you to all of you who helped me today and everyday. I appreciate it more than you will probably ever know and your words and deeds give me the incentive to win this judgeship and begin to finally realize my dream of making a difference in people's lives from the bench.
Take care of yourselves and your families and I will see you on the campaign trail, wherever it may lead!
Allyson Cox
"When the Opportunity Knocks, Vote Allyson Cox"
On Tuesday night (3/4/08) I attended the College Republicans Meeting at U of L. There were several students there and they were diligently addressing and stamping envelopes for an upcoming event as I talked to them about my candidacy for District Court Judge. It was nice to see a group of young people giving time to support their candidates when they could have been studying or socializing instead. I was very impressed with them and hope they felt the same about me. I will be honored to have their votes.
On Wednesday night (3/5/08) I attended my Junior League of Louisville Provisional Meeting. This is one of my regular activities outside of the campaign. The Junior League of Louisville is a non-profit service organization for women. I would recommend membership to any woman who wants to make a difference through community involvement and charity. This month's meeting was held at Gilda's Club, a place of peace, support and retreat for men, women, and children suffering from cancer and their families. I was touched by the video we were shown and I had to take a moment to appreciate that for all the trials and triumphs I have had in my attempt at becoming Judge, I am lucky to be healthy and able to fight this fight. The strength of the cancer patients there and the dedication of the people committed to Gilda's Club was heart warming and really made me put things in perspective. You can learn more about Gilda's Club of Louisville at http://www.gildasclublouisville.org/.
Today was the busiest day of all. I started the morning at the Greater Louisville Building and Construction Trades Council meeting. There were several candidates for different local, state, and judicial races at the meeting. The members of the council were very attentive and I appreciate their willingness to take time to listen to me as I explained my background, experience and beliefs. It was obvious to me that although it had nothing to do with their business at hand, they too believe this community deserves to have the best, most qualified judge in the 16th District. I was honored to meet with them all and hope to have their votes.
After we were excused so the council could begin its business meeting, I drove straight to the Capital in Frankfort. In just a short trip to the capital cafeteria with my mother (who seems to know everyone and is one of my biggest supporters and volunteers), I was able to make new contacts and ask for support from several lobbyists with organizations ranging from the National Humane Society to organizations for labor, children's advocacy and many more. It was the best trip to the lunch line ever! Thank you mom!
After lunch, I headed to the floor of the House of Representatives for an afternoon of watching the State's lawmakers at work. I recommend everyone go to the Capital and see how our laws are made. It kind of reminds me of a smaller, more southern Stock Exchange. There are people talking in the corners and running around as papers fly in every direction while the Speaker and the Floor Majority Leader call the bills and announce the votes. I just stood up against the wall and took it all in. I appreciate all those who can remember me when I was "just a little kid" and still go out of their way to shake my hand and wish me well. I appreciate them for taking the time to do that, when they so obviously don't have to.
At about 4 pm, the House adjourned into caucus meetings and I was off again to the Capital Plaza Hotel in Frankfort for an awards banquet to honor kids who have excelled in the Boys and Girls Club of Kentucky. My dad, who works to support the Association of Independent Colleges in Kentucky (like Bellarmine, Spaulding, etc) was there and local attorney, Oliver Barber, was a wonderful host to me. He introduced me to many new people who will be great contacts in my work to help children live a better life and achieve a brighter future. I spoke to several people at the banquet who agreed with me about the sad way we treat our children in this community. I could have talked about it forever, because it gets me so fired up and ready to go out and change the world. For more information on the nearest club or to become involved with the Boys and Girls Club of Louisville, visit www.uss.salvationarmy.org, enter your zip code and then click on the page for "programs and services."
Empowered by the knowledge that others care about the future of children just as I do, I was again in the car and on my way back to Louisville to attend the Metro Republican Women's Club meeting. This event was also well attended and I listened as their speaker talked about the club's political goals and how they could be met. I was allowed to address the group and ask for the members' votes. They too expressed agreement with my feelings that we have got to make a change in this community to make our District Court system serve us better and that we all have the common right and privilege to raise our children in a city where they are safe to play outside in the yard; where women with black eyes and bruises no longer run to the courthouse in the middle of the night to seek safety from an abuser who is supposed to love them. They too want a community where our daughters, mothers and sisters can walk down the street without becoming the next victim of a sex crime.
Just like me, they agreed that something has to be done to address the constant revolving door of the jail in this community. I argued to them that jail overcrowding cannot be addressed effectively by just deciding not to prosecute as diligently anymore or to just release criminals into the streets of Louisville.
Regardless of whether I win this election, I have confirmed what I believed all along; common sense, especially regarding crime, punishment, and community safety, knows no party affiliation, PAC, socioeconomic, geographic, or racial boundary.
I appreciate everyone who listened to me today and offered words of support, encouragement, and good wishes for my campaign. Each time I get such a promising response from voters, I become more committed to winning this election and being your next District Court Judge. Thank you to all of you who helped me today and everyday. I appreciate it more than you will probably ever know and your words and deeds give me the incentive to win this judgeship and begin to finally realize my dream of making a difference in people's lives from the bench.
Take care of yourselves and your families and I will see you on the campaign trail, wherever it may lead!
Allyson Cox
"When the Opportunity Knocks, Vote Allyson Cox"
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