I said yes to "what"?

I live in the Coles District, Prince William County, VA. Earlier this week, I responded to a request from Marty Nohe, the Coles District Supervisor, for a volunteer. I had visions of some "cushy" inside job, perhaps a catered affair with those little cocktail weenies and meat balls, something "air conditioned"... maybe help with an event at the Candy Factory.

Nooooooooooooooo... he wanted a volunteer to wander around the Coles District in almost 100 degree heat with a member of his staff to collect signatures for his nomination (Marty has to face a primary this time around). He's been good to me and my neighborhood and always quickly responded to requests for constituent services so I couldn't back out (although a few creative excuses crossed my mind) I am a man of my word.

So, I show up at his office to pick up Katie, a member of his staff. This was a bright spot as Katie is a very smart and knowledgable political staffer. I still dreaded wandering around the Coles District in 100 degree weather; however, at least I had good company... and I am a man of my word.

Then we nocked on the first door. After listening to a story of how Marty helped out the resident, she quickly signed the petition (and got a couple of other family members to sign up). The second house had a story of how Marty helped solve an easement problem with a local shopping center. The third was a story about how Marty helped with another problem... and so it went. I even got a die hard "Democrat" to sign Marty's petition because he's... well... Marty.. and he's taken care of her neighborhood.

I met a lot of nice people. I also realized that most people don't really know what Marty Nohe does for the Coles District. He helps his constituents solve problems. I read about (and care about) the "big issues"; however, at the end of the day I chose my Supervisor based upon "what he's done for me" lately. Retail Politics is about Constituent services. I know that Marty and his staff have always taken care of me and my neighborhood; however, I didn't realize just how intimately involved he has become with all of his constituents as a problem solver. It really opened my eyes.

That's not why I had planned to vote for him again. I have been watching Marty since he first knocked on my door and shared a glass of Iced Tea in... what year was it... 2003 (the first time he ran)? He impressed me as a "bright guy". As I watched his time on the Dias unfold, I noticed that he always did his homework. While the rest of the County was stewing over new Districts for our BOCS, he quietly worked with staff and constituents to draw up and propose the redistricting plan that was accepted by the board and the community. He as quietly worked behind the scenes to broker compromise positions on several high profile County issues that eventually resulted on solutions everyone could support. I also noticed that when the dust settled, he didn't mind who took the credit.

I "ruthlessly criticize" Marty all the time because he's not perfect; however, he does listen. Once in a while, he even acts on some suggestion; however, I particularity appreciate it when he tells me that we simply will have to disagree on an issue and goes a different way. I'm not sure Marty Nohe knows how to do the political "double speak" or "non-answer" when engaged in a conversation with a constituent. That's a flaw I can live with.

So my walk around the Coles District with Katie in 100 degree heat turned out to be a pretty good day after all. Marty never talked about any of those services that he provided to his constituents (and there were some pretty touching stories)... he never claimed public credit for his many private assists. It's important for folks to know just how much he cares. If you're new to the Coles District, make sure you have his number. He will be there for you.

Supervisor Marty Nohe is also a man of his word.