Daring to Run: How I Ran an Outsider's Campaign for Mayor of Elmira, New York, and Won

Author:   John S. Tonello
Publisher:   State University of New York Press
ISBN:  

9798855805697


Pages:   240
Publication Date:   01 March 2026
Format:   Paperback
Availability:   Manufactured on demand   Availability explained
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

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Daring to Run: How I Ran an Outsider's Campaign for Mayor of Elmira, New York, and Won


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Full Product Details

Author:   John S. Tonello
Publisher:   State University of New York Press
Imprint:   State University of New York Press
Dimensions:   Width: 15.20cm , Height: 1.30cm , Length: 22.90cm
Weight:   0.304kg
ISBN:  

9798855805697


Pages:   240
Publication Date:   01 March 2026
Audience:   General/trade ,  General
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   Active
Availability:   Manufactured on demand   Availability explained
We will order this item for you from a manufactured on demand supplier.

Table of Contents

Prologue 1. Deciding to Run 2. Councilman vs. Mayor 3. Wooing the Party 4. Announcement Days 5. Getting on the Ballot 6. Campaign Materials and Creating a Brand 7. Making Friends and Raising Cash 8. Lead-up to the Primary 9. Primary Day 10. Getting the Party On Board 11. Switching Gears: Facing the Republican 12. The Marathon Takes Its Toll 13. Lead-up to Election Day 14. Election Day 15. Early Days Epilogue Appendix: Photos from the campaign Index

Reviews

""Daring to Run is an emotionally honest memoir that helps voters of all parties better understand the highs and lows of seeking office and holding office. Tonello brings a Huck Finn charm to his story of idealism, drive, and optimism, which makes sense from the country where Mark Twain did some of his best writing. With unassuming candor and an eye for detail, Tonello conveys the two biggest lessons for all new candidates who have the courage to enter what Teddy Roosevelt called 'The Arena': if you don't swing, you don't hit; and no one is smart enough to be a pessimist."" — Mark Green, author, former public official, public interest lawyer, and Democratic politician from New York City ""John Tonello's book detailing his experiences as a small American city mayor is a book for our times. It is a reminder that communities everywhere are dependent upon those who are willing to step up and serve in local government. With the Federal government abandoning the needs of cities, local government is all the more important. As a one-time newspaper reporter, John is an exceptional writer, and is able capture the burdens and challenges of leading a city. Police, fire, public works, and sanitation departments are the pillars of city government, and John describes their work with a compelling and engaging narrative. As a one-time mayor myself, John's story telling reminds me of why I loved the job. I know you’ll love this book."" — Marty Mack, former Executive Deputy Attorney General for New York State


""Daring to Run is an emotionally honest memoir that helps voters of all parties better understand the highs and lows of seeking office and holding office. Tonello brings a Huck Finn charm to his story of idealism, drive, and optimism, which makes sense from the country where Mark Twain did some of his best writing. With unassuming candor and an eye for detail, Tonello conveys the two biggest lessons for all new candidates who have the courage to enter what Teddy Roosevelt called 'The Arena': if you don't swing, you don't hit; and no one is smart enough to be a pessimist."" — Mark Green, author, former public official, public interest lawyer, and Democratic politician from New York City


Author Information

John S. Tonello worked as a newspaper reporter and editor, a web developer and IT director, and a marketer in the communications and tech industries. In 2005, Tonello ran a long-shot campaign for mayor of Elmira, New York, and served two terms in office. He is author of The Bruxism Proxy: A Brief History of the Weird Battle Raging Inside, about his battle with ulcerative colitis, and Practical Linux DevOps: Building a Linux Lab for Modern Software Development, about using Linux and modern software development. He lives in Matthews, North Carolina.

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