How to Get Elected as Mayor

So you have political dreams of being mayor of your city. Becoming mayor of course is no easy task as it takes some degree of know-how, charisma, and of course money. However, some of these things can be acquired more easily by following a few simple steps. Here are some basic steps to get elected as mayor in your town.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Determine when elections are and follow the political landscape in your city for a good while before making any moves. Find out when city council meetings are held; it is a good way to get your political foot in the door.
2. Run for a seat on the city council or as a district representative. Or simply try and sit on a civic committee so that your presence becomes known. Become active in community civic groups, and be diligent and punctual in your attention to your position.
3. Listen carefully to the needs of the city and begin to devise a political plan based on these needs. Network yourself heavily to city big shots and popular officials as their endorsements will be essential if running against some of the old hats.
4. Start buzz, preferably spread third party, about the possibility of running for mayoral candidacy. Begin looking for financial backing and fund raising opportunities.
5. Become painfully aware of the rules and regulations for running a campaign in your city and mind your p's and q's when running for the first time. Hire a campaign manager and a financial manager whom you trust when trying to get elected.
6. Schmooze, campaign, and most importantly make vital changes that the city has been asking for. Be careful not to make promises you can't keep. Avoid a dirty campaign and keep a tight reign on your budget and voter demographics.
7. Run a huge blitz about a week prior to election day to help bring home votes. Set up shop at a local mall or large town center where you can be available for questions and just to meet the people of your city. Promise a new, vital change and get elected.

Tips & Warnings

• Develop a platform that isn't too radical from the one that has been implemented, but make a spin on the current system using the voters climate as an indication.
• Make as many important friends as possible, and try not to step on your opponents toes too much. All is fair in love and...politics.
• Begin planning a budget for your campaign far before you announce it to anyone. Make sure it is reasonable to your needs, and always put aside a little extra for last minute publicity.
• Do not resort to dirty politics and rumor mongering. Your presence as a new political figure in your city is delicate, and this kind of activity could break your political career before it begins.
• Do not accept any money that is not properly recorded and within the confines of the campaign rules for your city.