AI rendition of audio story:
In an era marked by deep divisions in American politics, the prospect of running for public office can seem daunting—even unappealing—to many. Yet, in Salisbury, Maryland, a unique program is challenging the status quo, offering a fresh, non-partisan approach to political engagement and leadership at the local level.
A New Kind of Political Classroom
Inside a classroom at Salisbury University, an unusual mix of office holders—past, present, and aspiring—gathered for a two-day workshop. The group included Democrats, Republicans, and even candidates running against each other. Their shared goal: to learn the nuts and bolts of running for local office, from filing paperwork to crafting a campaign message.
“Politics doesn’t have to be screaming, yelling. It does not have to be a blood sport,” said Michael Dunn, former Salisbury City Council member and representative of the Greater Salisbury Committee. “It can be civil, it can be conversational, where candidates come together and talk about the issues in a good civil way.”
The workshop is a collaborative effort between the Greater Salisbury Committee, Salisbury University’s Institute of Public Affairs and Civic Engagement, and the Salisbury Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber’s involvement, explained President Bill Chambers, stems from a vested interest in the region’s economic development.
“We’re not political, but we are also interested in economic development in the future of our region,” Chambers said. “A lot of that boils down to who is sitting in office making decisions about taxes and regulations and fees. And it’s those elected folks on the local and state level that have a significant impact on the business community.”
The Mechanics of Local Campaigns
Unlike the high-budget, high-stakes campaigns seen in national politics, local races—whether for county or city council, school board, or mayor—are typically modest affairs. The workshop focused on practical skills: filing for office, setting up committees, organizing campaigns, and getting the word out.
But even at the local level, money remains a persistent challenge. Jake Day, former Salisbury mayor and now Maryland Secretary of Housing and Community Development, shared his experience: “The most uncomfortable thing to do is pick up the phone and ask somebody for $250. I know it’s your Aunt Susie or your next door neighbor from when you were growing up, but it’s hard. I found that to be hard.”
Beyond fundraising, candidates must commit personally in ways few other jobs demand. “It will be more personal than it has ever been in any other job you’ve had in your life,” Day reflected. “We’ve all had to stand up and say, sit in an interview and say, why I think I’m the person for the job. Well, it’s different when you have to constantly do it. Repeat the same things over and over again. Defend yourself against attacks, explain yourself to people who have no idea who you are, and do all of that. While people in America generally don’t care about local politics, that is a sad, sad truth.”
Facing a Skeptical Electorate
Today’s would-be office holders face an electorate that is often skeptical, even cynical. Veteran Maryland political consultant Len Foxwell described the current climate: “So it’s come as a surprise to nobody. The moment in which you are contemplating entering the political arena, it’s pretty dark.”
Trust in institutions is at an all-time low, Foxwell noted, presenting a challenge for new candidates to connect authentically with voters—many of whom may not even participate in local elections. “You are entering the political arena at a time when people have lost confidence in the political process. That loss of trust, that absence of connective tissue, it is extended to virtually every other segment of American society.”
The Courage to Enter the Arena
Despite the obstacles—financial, personal, and societal—the message from Salisbury’s workshop is clear: democracy depends on people willing to step forward. Jake Day recalled his own nerves before his first campaign. “I just remember being so torn. I was so nervous about the idea of once you cross that threshold, you’re out there, right? You’re out there.”
In the end, the program encourages citizens to heed the words of Teddy Roosevelt and “get out into the arena.” The hope is that by fostering civil discourse, practical skills, and authentic connections, Salisbury’s innovative approach can inspire a new generation of local leaders—ones who are prepared not just to win elections, but to serve their communities with integrity and purpose.
