05/02/2021
Well, yesterday was bittersweet. We weren’t able to pull off a win, but we learned so much during the process. Who knew running a campaign for an unpaid, non-political board seat would be so expensive and so political? I have a newfound and tremendous respect for anyone running for any office. It is exhausting, exciting, frustrating, challenging, and all the other adjectives.
Of the many lessons learned here are a few key ones I’d like to share.
- My wife is amazing in so many ways, it’s hard to list. She is the best campaign manager anyone could ask for. Constantly driving me to be out there, encouraging me, sharing our info, and reaching out to everyone we knew, all the time. God has used this opportunity to strengthen our marriage because we had unified for a common, worthy goal. I can’t thank her enough. I love you, Julie Ann!
- Our friends and neighbors stepped up huge! In such a small election when every vote represents actual percentage points, they came in and helped, volunteered at early voting locations, setup tents and tables, braved the elements, passed out fliers, sent supportive messages, spoke on my behalf, and just overwhelmed us with love. Tracey Gordon, Terry Grimes…yall don’t know how much Tracey and Terry did for us, out of the goodness of their hearts! Tom & Jennifer Kastner, Brent Wagoner, Danny & Carie Tate, David & Tori Hart, Beth Bordeaux, Rick Misenheimer, Travis Fink, Jody & Missy Grimes, Tiffany Parrott, Cynthia Pike-Fuentes, Dad (Jerry), Dustin, Karl & Ashley Paulissen, Nic Strine, Bailey Tamplen, Stacie Hunter (for the radio endorsement!). I’m indebted to anyone of you who spent time out at the polls for us, I will be honored to do the same for you, when that time comes. Your sacrifice on our behalf fills my heart with joy.
- By the numbers, cumulatively, it seems Montgomery is more interested in change than the establishment. The combined votes of the two opponents were more than the incumbent. If anything, we have brought awareness to the district about issues that, frankly, shouldn’t be. People are now aware that our district has been in deficit spending for the last 6 years with barely enough money to keep the lights on. They are aware that our teachers deserve better pay (and are finally getting it, after years of financial mismanagement). And there are more taxpayers watching carefully now regarding any future frivolous overspending.
- By all accounts, my opponent Christina Sato is awesome, and she would be a great school board member if elected. We spent a huge amount of time together speaking at events, meeting people, sitting forever at the polls, and sharing our stories. And her family is awesome. Julie and I have a new friend and it’s comforting knowing another advocate within Montgomery ISD who is fighting for what’s best for our students and educators.
TL;DR
There is so much more I can say, but by the grace of God we're going to hold our heads high today knowing we ran an honest campaign. We’re going to continue to fight and push for improvement in our schools and in our district. For everyone that liked and shared our page countless times, thank you. For everyone that prayed, voted, and prayed more for us, thank you so much.
Friends in the district, next week is teacher appreciation week, please figure out ways to support and praise our educators who spend so much time loving on and caring for our children.
Jay Grimes
