Tuesday, February 9, 2010

A SPOKESMAN-REVIEW INVESTIGATIVE REPORT

Recall battle was a life-changing experience

Shannon Sullivan

December 7, 2005

Special to The Spokesman-Review

The recall battle has come to an end. I have awaited this for the last seven months.

Standing up for what you believe and taking on the system has not been an easy task. I thought it was near the end on June 13 when Superior Court Judge Craig Matheson ruled that my recall petition was sufficient to move forward. Little did I know it would drag out for another five months, three more court battles, numerous briefs, 30 days of living, breathing, signature gathering and what seemed at times like endless tears and disappointments.

The question I get asked most frequently is: "Would you do it again, knowing what you know now?"

I wish I had the answer to that. Standing up comes with a price, and at times I wonder if it's too high.

I did this in the beginning for my son with the strong belief that Mayor James West was an inappropriate leader for my son, or any other child, to look up to. It was never based on any issue other than what he admitted.

All of a sudden, I was being criticized, dragged through the mud. (I have been asked if I would ever run for public office. Not on your life. It is a dirty business, and you have to have a very tough skin.)

Toward the middle of the recall roller coaster, I found myself not doing it just for my son, but for every mother and father, grandmother and grandfather who would send me kind words of encouragement, or make financial contributions to the effort, or drop dinner by at the recall camp on North Division. Basically, for every person who believed in the right of the people.

It became a daily issue in my life. The learning experience and the wonderful people of this fine city have forever changed my life. I cannot ever thank all of them enough, especially Jerry Davis, attorney at law. Here is a man who felt I was in grave need of legal assistance. And a good friend. He was right. Jerry is my hero, forever friend and now employer.

Yes, I will join his law office as office manager. What a wonderful opportunity.

I never knew the recall journey would lead me not only to a better understanding of politics, but also to a new career. All in all, I have been very fortunate.

I'd like to touch on James West for a moment. I have never really come out and said how I personally feel. Many have assumed, but most of the public does not really know.

I see a sad man who has made some really poor choices in his personal life. (Haven't we all?) The difference is that he is the mayor. Democrat, Republican, gay, straight. It really does not matter to me. I personally feel we as a society spend way too much time judging others.

No, I am not judging the mayor. It is not my job. But it is his job to serve the public on the issues and values over which he was elected. Yes, he has made some good changes in this city, but the bottom line is, "What does he stand for?"

We should forgive one another, and I forgive him. We all have to live with our own choices and hope we can overcome our faults. I wish Jim West the best in every aspect of his life. I pray he has good health and finds what he is searching for. This recall was never personal.

Hopefully I can fade away into a normal life, and learn, grow and live happily ever after.

But before I do, I would like to thank everyone who believed in me and the cause. I may have stepped out front, but I had a whole lot of help.

Happy holidays, and here's to a new year.