This week I want to talk about anything but the stinking virus!
I was killing time in my office and found some old pictures and stuff including a Gazette from October of 1976. The front-page picture shows yours truly sitting next to Lyon County Commissioner Vic ImMasche. We were candidates for his position in the upcoming election.
I am 30 years old and working at Farm & Home selling Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance and real estate and also Manager of Eastgate Plaza. Keith Greiner, Chairman of the Lyon Republicans convinced me to run – it seemed like a good idea at the time.
Vic ImMasche was well known as former Post Master, veteran, School Board President and father of one of my best friends, Mike.
Our race created more yawns than interest. In fact, I went to the Gazette and ask Publisher Kathryn White for the paper’s endorsement only to be told: “no one cares about your race!”
Typical events were in front of folks usually with an average age of 60. That made my contention the Commission needed a younger voice not very effective.
One event that was different was at the Way College. We appeared before a panel of a dozen students and staff with many students looking on. For an hour we debated good questions. This was fun and regardless of what you thought of the Way College, they became by far the best-informed voters in our contest.
Remember, I said Mike ImMasche and I were good friends. So true! I spent time at his house and him at mine, I even remember going on vacations with the ImMasche’s. Mike and I talked before the election and agreed it would not affect our friendship and it didn’t.
The worst part other than losing was a letter Keith Greiner sent to the Gazette where he said some things about Vic ImMasche that were not needed.
It was fun, but frustrating because as Mrs. White said –“no one cares.”
Election night I spent at home alone. I think my wife was playing bridge. I got whooped. Not sure how many precincts there were but I do know I won two. A small precinct near Reading where I got 16 out of 30 votes and the Way College area which I won like 700 to 40!
Remember Mike and I agreed to not get upset. Mrs. ImMasche, Bernice wasn’t in that agreement. When I called Vic on election night to congratulate him Bernice answered. I said, “Bernice this is Steve.” Her reply was “Steve who?”
We reconnected later but this was my first and last try at elective office. It was fun but frustrating! I do have hair in the newspaper picture!
Stay home and stay safe, I’m Steve Sauder.
