As Election Day approaches, I've been reflecting on something I haven't talked about much: the intentional choices I made in running my campaign.
From the beginning, I wanted my campaign to reflect the same principles I've advocated throughout this election: fiscal responsibility, transparency, accountability, professionalism, and respect for others.
I didn't want to simply talk about these values. I wanted them to guide my actions.
That meant making some deliberate decisions about how I spent money, communicated with residents, prepared for the responsibilities of City Council, and participated in the public process.
Being Mindful of Campaign Spending
I recognize that times are financially challenging for many families. That's why I kept my campaign budget modest and made thoughtful spending decisions.
I worked to maximize the value of every purchase, limited spending on mailers and mass text campaigns, and avoided expenses that didn't serve a meaningful purpose.
I was equally mindful of volunteers' time. People have jobs, families, and personal commitments, and I wanted to respect that. I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who contributed their time, resources, or encouragement.
Throughout this campaign, I've emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility and making informed decisions about how public resources are spent.
While managing a campaign budget is very different from managing a city's finances, I believe the underlying principle is the same: be thoughtful about spending, understand the value of resources, and avoid unnecessary waste.
Respecting Residents' Time and Attention
I don't know about you, but I've grown tired of the constant political commercials, daily mailers, flyers left on my doorstep, and campaign text messages, especially the negative messaging that seems to dominate so much of election season.
I understand that campaigns need to communicate with voters, but I also believe there's a balance between reaching people and overwhelming them.
That's why I made a conscious effort to limit unnecessary printed materials and repetitive outreach. Instead, I focused on other ways to connect with residents.
I provided information through my website, social media, and detailed blog posts. I knocked on doors, answered questions, and hosted Coffee & Conversation events and neighborhood gatherings throughout District 2.
My goal was to make myself accessible and give residents opportunities to engage on their own terms.
I wanted people to have enough information to understand my positions, ask questions, and make informed decisions without feeling inundated by campaign materials.
For me, meaningful engagement has always been more important than simply maximizing exposure.
Preparing to Serve, Not Just Campaigning
Another intentional decision was to spend considerable time preparing for the actual responsibilities of serving on City Council.
Throughout this campaign, I've met with City leadership, staff, and sitting Councilmembers to better understand the challenges and opportunities facing Rohnert Park.
I've reviewed budgets, financial reports, Council agenda packets, development proposals, and infrastructure concerns. I've also engaged with Public Works on neighborhood safety issues affecting Camino Colegio, Bodway, and Valley House.
These conversations and research have helped me better understand what the city is already doing, where challenges exist, and what questions still need answers.
My more than 20 years of professional leadership experience have taught me the importance of preparation, collaboration, and understanding the facts before making decisions.
I wanted to spend this campaign learning the work, not just talking about the job.
If elected, my goal is to begin contributing meaningfully from day one while continuing to learn from City staff, fellow Councilmembers, and residents.
Respecting the Public Process
I was also mindful of how my campaign intersected with the ongoing business of City government.
I attended some City Council meetings in person, but I intentionally followed many meetings virtually or watched the recordings afterward. I regularly reviewed agenda packets and supporting documents to stay informed.
When I participated in public comment, I spoke as a resident raising questions or concerns about issues affecting our community, rather than using the opportunity to promote my candidacy.
This was a deliberate choice.
City Council meetings are where important business takes place. Residents deserve the opportunity to be heard, and Councilmembers and staff need to focus on the issues before them.
I wanted to remain engaged and informed while respecting that process.
Public meetings should be about the business of serving our community, not about creating campaign moments.
The Choices Behind the Message
I know there are many ways to run a campaign, and I don't pretend that every decision I've made has been perfect.
But I can say that I've approached this experience thoughtfully and with a clear sense of purpose.
I chose to be mindful of spending because I believe resources should be managed responsibly.
I chose to limit unnecessary campaign materials because I respect residents' time, attention, and the environment.
I chose to invest time in understanding City operations because I believe preparation matters.
And I chose to respect the public process because I believe the work of City government should always come before political visibility.
These choices may not have been the most conventional approach to campaigning, but they reflect who I am and the principles I've tried to uphold throughout my professional and personal life.
I didn't want to simply campaign on fiscal responsibility, respect, and accountability. I wanted those principles to influence the decisions I made throughout the campaign itself.
I know running a campaign is different from governing a city. But I believe the habits we establish, the choices we make, and the respect we demonstrate matter.
That's why I was intentional about how I ran this campaign.
And regardless of the outcome on November 3, I'm grateful to everyone who has taken the time to engage, ask questions, share concerns, or offer support along the way.
Michael DeSimone
Candidate for Rohnert Park City Council, District 2
Leadership You'll See. Results You'll Feel.
