Running for office can be both challenging and transforming. Embracing the journeys of the current presidential candidates, let’s explore the journey of Benson’s basketball coach and his path to running for county commissioner and his motives for running.
Motivated by a desire to impact the community, Joe DiCostanzo reflected on the discussions surrounding the juvenile justice system.
“There was a lot of talk rightfully about our juvenile justice system and ways in which we were supporting our young people who maybe had made a mistake: whatever the case and given my experience in youth development,” DiCostanzo said. “I thought I had something to add and so that was, for most part, the primary driver in my run for county commissioner.”
A desire to address issues within the juvenile justice system made him feel more than qualified to contribute valuable perspectives and solutions to the community. The journey to running for office was not as easy as pie; it is a complex and demanding process filled with challenges that led to setbacks and obstacles.
However, with every challenge, there are always ways to navigate through them. DiCostanzo handled the challenges he faced effectively.
“Well, Covid hit, first of all, which nobody expected. And our theory was, if so, we knocked on thousands of doors, and if people met me and just spoke with me, they would vote for me,” DiCostanzo said. “So, most of the setbacks and obstacles were Covid, so not in my control. So, I’m just trying to understand what’s in your control and what’s not in your control. You know, there’s going to be a mistake, there’s going to be setbacks, there’s going to be some obstacles, but you’re doing the best you can with what you have in the situation you’re in.”
According to DiCostanzo, engaging with your community to promote campaigns and listening to them will help others to recognize you. Here are ways DiCostanzo engages with his community during his campaign.
“A lot of people voter files, so we were able to filter and knock on the doors of people who were regular voters if we knew they were voting in the primary,” DiCostanzo said. “You know their party affiliation; you know how regularly they vote. Do they just vote for presidential years? Do they vote in primaries? So, we’re able to filter our list for our most likely voters, and then you just drive around town, knock on doors and talk to people. But then there were social media opportunities, parades, different forums and through telephone calls and text messages as well.”
Even with coming short during the election, DiCostanzo learned a lot during his campaign for county commissioner. Here is some insightful advice he would give to someone who is thinking about running for office in the future.
“Know why you’re doing it, know you’re going to make mistakes along the way, and it’s worth the time and the effort, even if you don’t win. I learned a lot, and a lot of great people did a lot of really interesting things,” DiCostanzo said.
DiCostanzo’s journey to run for county commissioner highlights not only the challenges
faced by candidates but also the invaluable lessons learned along the way.
Throughout all he has gone through on his journey for county commissioner, he has held his head high and continued his drive for change and betterment of our community of Benson. His commitment to addressing juvenile justice issues and engaging with the community demonstrates his commitment to creating change. Of which some think is needed within our community. DiCostanzo is an example of a man for the people. He has proven on multiple instances of how much he cares for the people of his community.
