Flagstaff is a little blue island in Arizona. (Actually, Tucson is a bigger blue island and much of the Phoenix area 
has turned purple in recent years -- a combination of Republican red and Democrat blue.) The Democrats in Flagstaff like to act-up and this weekend we were in full swing.
Friday night, I attended a house-party fundraiser for a great young woman, Sara Presler-Hoefle, who is running in our non-partisan election for Flagstaff mayor this Spring. There are five candidates in the race, so there will be a primary in March and the top two will go to the final election in May. Sara represents the strong young energy of Flagstaff and hopefully will show well in the primary.
Saturday morning was the annual Democratic Party Tamale Sale. Four hours of networking around information booths by a total of twenty candidates for city council, mayor, Coconino County offices, and Arizona Congressional District #1. A great turnout, and great food. We stocked up our freezer with tamales and enchiladas that will last for months as quick dinners after busy real estate selling days.
Sunday, another house-party fundraiser for Howard Shanker, running for Congress in CD-1. A great turnout with over 50 people, looking for change.
I'm sometimes asked by real estate agents from other parts of the country whether all of my political activity hurts my business. In a town like Flagstaff, it does not. I'm on the side of the clear majority and the people who disagree will me are not likely to hire me anyway. I believe my passion for politics and my willingness to work hard shows people how I will feel about selling their homes -- passionate, committed and hard-working. Furthermore, it's important to have a life outside of real estate that reflects one's values. This is mine.
Ann Heitland, Flagstaff real estate agent!
By the way, if you haven't seen it, this is an amusing article about the Presidential candidates homes.
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Ann loves selling real estate. Ann works with a team of in order to provide you the best real estate experience ever! The best advice about the market, selling your home, or finding your dream home
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Ann, like you, I have strong political beliefs. I'm usually careful about discussing politics with clients, however.
Rich - I agree. I don't discuss politics or religion with clients -- at least until they become friends. But as far as a networking opportunity in the community, if you are in the right community, it makes sense.
Thanks for your comment!
Ann,
I'm not a Democrat, but I'd enjoy that tamale shindig!
Mike in Tucson
I don't talk politics either, but upon meeting me most people assume correctly my politics anyway.
I have had the opportunity to work with a number of couples who are moving to my little island from other parts of the country. Naturally, after spending hours over a couple of days, inevitably politics gets covered. Thankfully, I have not had to submit to any right-wing republican nonsense. I have enjoyed the company of Democrats from Texas, Florida, Colorado and California who share my love of country and my disgust of GWB and what he has done to the nation.
I agree with you. You need to work your politics into your business. Just as long as they don't take over too much of your time, I think it is a good networking event:)
It's a Good Life!
Fran
Hi, Ann - I don't think it hurts us to have a political opinion... it's the delivery of that opinion that can start an issue... We're heavily involved in local/statewide politics as well... if it's hurt our business I certainly can't tell.
Jan: Don't ever stop writing about politics!
I am thinking like you...and searched on AR and come up with this. I think you have a great attitude and we should all respect each other no matter the color: blue or red or purple!