Last Thursday, while knocking on doors in Ward 6A I drove my car to a small side road off South Main St. I parked across from the only house I could see. The car was nestled alongside a forest. There were no parking signs. I took off my bicycle and locked the car.
I knocked on South Main St. doors and a bunch of side streets for the next three hours until I finally had to take a break at Seabra, I had met dozens of people and sensed the campaign was going pretty well. As I was leaving the Men’s Room my cell phone rang. It was the Attleboro Police. “Please remove your car and find another parking spot. A neighbor has complained about where you parked.”
I thanked the officer, told him I was hopping on my bike and would be at my car in five minutes.
A few minutes later, while I was putting the bike upon the back of the car, a tiny woman came out of the only house I could see on the street. She walked straight towards me. I figured she was going to scold me.
Rhonda was really nice! She was thrilled that I was running for city councilor and am the Attleboro YMCA Social Worker. She invited me to park in her own driveway the next time I was in the area. Rhonda offered to call the police back and tell them I had been very prompt and was moving the car.
Just then a big garbage truck turned into the dead end road. I hustled my car up the driveway and waited for the city crew to do their duty and they quickly left the street. I had parked on this street on garbage day!
Then Rhonda offered to take one of my campaign signs. I looked at her and said, “But you hardly know me.” Before I could say a single word about my campaign she blurted out, “I WANT TO VOTE FOR YOU, TY.”
I almost hugged Rhonda and said, “but, you don’t know why I’m running for office yet?” Rhonda really didn’t care. She just liked me. I don’t know why.
The next time I’m on her empty street she wants me to park at the top of her driveway.
You have got to love Rhonda and the spirit inhabited by so many of the neighbors in Attleboro! Campaigning can be such a joy!
Ty Waterman 