When I ran for office in 2022, my campaign managers told me I’d be out knocking on thousands of doors over the coming months. I said (and I quote), “WHAAAT?!” Maybe they didn’t realize that I went to school so that I wouldn’t have to earn a living going door to door, but here I am!
The reality is that few constituents actually reach out to me to ask my position on a matter, to share their positions, or simply to get to know their representative. Since constituents don’t often come to me, I need to go to them.
Over the course of my campaigns, I’ve been to over 10,000 doors and met many of you at your own homes. It’s hot some days, cold others… it is Nebraska, after all. It’s time-consuming, but making those connections and being able to offer real-life, pertinent information is one of the most productive things that I do.
Every candidate has their unique stories about their experiences knocking on doors and meeting their neighbors. They include petting a lot of dogs while avoiding bites, great conversations with curious and informed citizens, and some very short conversations where we’re told to get off the porch. People answer the door in a towel, their underwear, or sometimes less… Yes… all true.
Nearly every time I’m out, someone thanks me for taking the time to go door to door, and they express that they’ve never had an elected official stop by before. I always share my contact information and let them know that they can reach out to my office in Lincoln at any time. I share how important it is for me to hear from them. I typically state that whether you’re glad, sad, or mad, I need to hear from you — your contact will be acknowledged and you will receive a reply.
How can I know the policies that are important to Legislative District Four if I don’t reach out to you, and you don’t reach out to me? Don’t believe that I and others are not open to feedback or learning. I’ve changed my position on many matters over the years as I’ve learned more on specific topics. The most compelling learning comes from those who are willing to share personal stories about how policy has affected them and their families. As I’ve shared before, data matters, and while personal opinions are important, so are the facts, so share what you can, when you can.
In this blog I share some photos. Some doorbells are high-tech and fancy, some are broken, and some are simply functional. I try to remember at each door that I visit that each resident is also unique. Some are broken, some are highly functioning, and others are barely getting by. It’s a good reminder as I get in a rush to press that doorbell, that each encounter is unique and is an opportunity to learn what is important in my district. I hope I steward those opportunities well.
Tell me your story. Email me at brad.vongillern@leg.ne.gov and tell me what matters to you and your home. I’m glad to hear from you.