David
Good luck with your decision.
If I can be cheeky enough to offer a few insights?
Firstly you have the main support you need and that is from family at home. If you have similar support from your work family it makes the decision a little easier.
I have had quite a bit of Political experience and again will offer a few thoughts from someone that has been there and done it. Bear in mind I was 33 years old when I first had the Political itch and scratched it...
At 33 years old I became involved in a planning issue in my town that saw me become part of a small group of residents that opposed a major hotel, game venue and motel complex on community owned land. Our Council (Local Government) saw the open community space as an option for sale. As the land neighbored homes and was used by the local community as parkland etc. it became quite an issue.
Following I stood for Local Government as a Council Representative. I was elected. We were able to stop the development but it was not through my work but a developer that just did not have
the cash etc.
I was now looking at a full three year term with two and a half years to go and no issues to argue in Council. The community facilities became my target as I had a young family and saw the need for these. A liitle like wanting to turn the lights on in some areas - my own Mig factory.
It was an interesting couple of years with my being elected as the Mayor in the Bellarine seat -
now a main part of the very large The City of Great Geelong - I was still in my 30's with children aged 4 to 12 years old. I had a very supportive family and I committed to involving them in as many of the community and Local Government events that I could.
It was an exciting, interesting but demanding time. I worked for Shell Petroleum and they supported me by giving me time off to run the City and attend Mayoral functions as Mayor.
With the support of work and my family I would not have been able to do this.
The allowance salary was quite low at about $40,000 for a Mayor. Now around $80,000 - 2010 year.
So my point is Local Government salaries are not high and if you have a business your eye will be off it and you will put pressure on other partners or family in the business to pick up your role/share. This could mean even longer hours than you are working now.
I had the support of an international company - they continued to pay my salary when I was the Mayor and whilst I was away from work!!
I resigned from Local Government two years later and re focused on work, a rebuild of an old house and cars things. I returned to Shell for the first time after my involvement in Local Government.
Twelve months later the Premier of our State. - read your Governor - phoned me and asked me to become a Commissioner in our State of Victoria. I was still in my thirties and I guess ego
kicked in a little and I agreed, as our Premier had previously received the ok from Shell for me to leave work and work for the Government again, albeit State Government level this second time
This second period was a little different to what I had previously been exposed to in Local Government, as it was a State appointment that attracted well over $120,000 in 1994 plus allowances.
My role was one of Chairman of Commissioners at the largest City in Victoria. The city, Wyndham City Council was now an amalgamation of three larger city - parts of Geelong, Williamstown, Melton and Altona. The largest and fastest growing region in our State.today the biggest and most prosperous area in our State. We encouraged industry, recreation and investors to the area.
My role as Chairman of Commisioners - Government appointed Mayor and administrator - was fulltime and continued for nearly three years, I later returned to my position at Shell Petroleum. Commissioners where placed in the city to replace Councils and Mayors during Council amalgamations.
Again, my point is even whilst these positions were both high profile and well paid, I know it impacted on my family and on my fulltime job/position at Shell. I lost promotional opportunities and certainly skills whilst away from Shell. Simply if your business is running well and can see you take leave then go for it.
Would I do it again? Short answer is yes as this time provided me with opportunities to network and see many other opportunities. My time in Government allowed me to be on peak State business forums, Government work groups and forums that all gave me an opportunity to meet and work with some of the States brightest and motivated people. It gave me a number of opportunities to bring new business to town. To encourage investors to invest.
After - In short I returned to work at Shell and found Shell no longer challenged me. I left twelve months later and went into the fast food business..
This last move has proven a real winner for our family and I am glad that I did not take up an option of possible full-time seat in Government that was offered.
Just my $0.02 worth. Sorry about the ramblings!!!
Good luck with your decision. With your families support, business support and other peoples money backing your campaign you will know you are doing the right thing and have real support. If it is your money backing the campaign then be careful as it will drain reserves very quickly.
Berrnie