When I want my son to do something, he often quips, "What’ll I get out of it?" As irked as I am at such cheek, I thought it reasonable to ask what I’m getting out of my Candidate Evaluation Committee work.

I signed up for the CEC for three reasons: I wanted to learn about the issues, meet political aspirants, and above all serve my community. Missions accomplished. Upon reflection, however, I discovered I’d gained far more than just that.

First, I came away with an appreciation for candidate earnestness. All of them were dead serious about improving their district and making a difference in Olympia. They want to help; never mind this session is forecast to be a real hornet’s nest. I admire all of them for their gumption and resolve.

Second, I saw first hand what campaigns entail. Frankly, I think ‘campaign’ should be spelled ‘campain’ because it looks like a mountain of difficulty: this brochure, that fundraiser, this town meeting, that Muni League interview. Yikes. And all this so they can go to Olympia to solve our state’s ills and without any money to do it. I don’t know about you, but an overdraft of $10 ruins my whole day, let alone a $2 billion one. I guess that’s why they’re running and I’m not.

Third, I learned to suspend my political views. At first I felt disloyal, but I became more and more adept at sifting through beliefs (mine and the candidates’) in the service of finding true leaders. It occurred to me that if we don’t want partisan bickering among out representatives, perhaps we shouldn’t be voting in a partisan way.

Finally, I renewed my faith in politics and people. Just running for office takes guts, stamina, confidence, and support of many kinds. But get this: Many of the candidates thanked us for doing this for the Municipal League. We should be thanking everyone seeking public office. They must be made of some rare stardust. Even if they don’t win, they have risked mightily by putting themselves out there.