It was in 1965 that we experienced the true joy of attending at ANTA Washington Square Theater in New York City one of the early performances of the musical “The Man from La Mancha” based upon Miguel de Cervante’s Spanish novel “Don Quixote”. Many have heard Richard Kiley’s rendition of “The Impossible Dream” from the show.
Some perceive Don Quixote, the protagonist, as a fool. But for others he represents a willingness to set aside preconceived limitations and “to reach for the stars.”
The Watchdog dropped off fourteen year old daughter Sarah late Saturday morning where she volunteers at the Greystone Manor Therapeutic Riding Center and took a walk across the street in the upscale Greystone Estate community while deep in Sabbath reflections.
But then he encountered another walker to whom he said hello and who introduced himself as John Weigel, candidate for the State Assembly, and handed him a piece of campaign literature. When asked, Weigel identified himself as a Democrat.
The 43rd Legislative District is roughly bordered by the City of Lancaster to its west, Ephrata to the north, New Holland and Gordonville to the east, and Willow Valley to the south. Little more need be said about the likelihood of a Democrat triumphing at the polls. In fact, in 2010 the incumbent Scott W. Boyd ran unopposed.
According to the hand out, Weigel owns a successful psychology practice with three locations. He has a BA in Psychology from Lafayette College and a MS in Psychology from Millersville University. He is a Little League coach and a board member for a local Christian theatre group. His literature describes him as a “Godly man”, an active member of the Brethren Church and a Peace and Justice Leader.
So what motivates such a distinguished individual to spend Saturdays and likely evenings going door to door, talking with strangers (mostly Republicans) and asking for their support with so little likelihood of success?
The next day the Watchdog posed the question to Weigel through his campaign web site.
Weigel’s response:
“… I am running for two reasons:
1. I am angry about the direction of the politics in PA–from the cuts to education to the disregard of the environment to the disenfranchisement attempt by the Republicans. I believe the people of the 43rd deserve a choice.
2. I am a Psychologist by profession and therefore optimistic about change. I see people and families change every day.
I am having a debate with my opponent on Wednesday evening at the Doubletree Inn in Willow St. (7pm) where I hope I can lay out the contrasts between him ( a ‘money guy’ who will treat PA like it’s just a business) and me (a ‘people person’ who will treat PA like our home). I would love to see you there–I hope thousands of people come to hear this important contrast played out. It’s important stuff.
Thanks again.”
Is he “tilting with windmills” or committed to do his best to improve the world even though exposing himself to rejection?
We don’t think Weigel is going to be elected come November 6. But we do hope that there will be role for him somewhere in government. Lancaster needs such men and women.
