How to win a local election A complete step-by-step guide

Though Republican National Committee Chairman Haley Barbour and former head of the Democratic National Committee David Wilhelm disagree about most issues, both supply forewords to this nuts-and-bolts, do-it-yourself guide to running for and winning one of the nation's more than 500,000 local offices. Grey, an appeals court judge in Ohio who has served for nearly two decades in various elective offices, has a .667 batting average (he won four of the six campaigns he waged). Opening with the decision to run, his manual spells out the details of planning and organizing a campaign, recruiting staff and volunteers, and making effective use of basic campaign procedures and techniques: literature, mailing lists, newspapers, radio and TV, yard signs, billboards, and doorbell ringing. Appendixes provide a glossary, a list of state election officers, and sample worksheets and forms that walk the would-be candidate through the process Grey recommends. Timely, practical advice for readers who feel they have something to contribute to their local schools, parks, water districts, municipalities, or counties. (Reviewed November 15, 1994)0871317664Mary Carroll

Grey, who has won his share of local elections--he was an Ohio county prosecutor and appellate judge--tells would-be public officials how to get elected. There are lots of books on politics, but most are by political scientists--who never get their hands dirty by actually running for office--or by reporters or participants in big campaigns for the White House or Congress. Anyone who wants to get on the school board or the city council will find this book exceedingly helpful, as Grey speaks from years of experience. Uncommon for a lawyer, he writes clear prose in chapters that follow the course of a campaign: organizing volunteers, advertising, analyzing your district's demographics, etc. Grey supplies customizable worksheets and forms on a CD-ROM, part of what is new for this third edition, which also has updated information on the use of the Internet and emails for seeking, handling, and disseminating information. Grey spells out clearly the legal issues involved in becoming a formal candidate. He stipulates that prospective office seekers check their own state's additional requirements. This is a smart, informed, and practical package. It belongs in every public library, supplemented by official publications on local election requirements.--Michael O. Eshleman, Kings Mills, OH (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.