Deciding to run
How frustration can become a reason to act — and how to know when it is time to stop complaining and start organizing.
A political memoir • A campaign story • A guide for outsiders
What happens when an ordinary citizen decides to run?
John S. Tonello started with little name recognition, little political experience and a simple conviction: his city could do better. Nine months later, he had won the mayor's race.
2026•Excelsior Editions / SUNY Press•ISBN 9798855805697
For readersA candid political story
For candidatesLessons from an outsider campaign
For citizensA look inside local government
The story
From frustration to City Hall
Just months after a disappointing national election, a personal upheaval and frustration with his city's response to a neighborhood crack house, John Tonello decided enough was enough.
With a small team and no established political machine, he took on the local Democratic Party, a three-term councilman in a primary and a Republican with strong name recognition in the general election.
Daring to Run is the story behind that campaign: the mistakes, surprises, relationships, setbacks and decisions that turned an unlikely candidacy into a victory — and ultimately into two terms as mayor.
“
Daring to Run is both a memoir of the courage, optimism and drive it took to get elected to local office and a how-to guide to building a campaign from nothing.
— Marty Mack, former Executive Deputy Attorney General for New York State
More than a memoir
What can an outsider learn?
For people thinking about running for mayor, council, school board or another local office, the book offers a rare view of the process from the candidate's side of the table.
Building a campaign
Getting on the ballot, creating a brand, making friends, raising money and building a team without a political machine.
Winning people, not just votes
Why listening, personal relationships and a willingness to change course can matter more than conventional political wisdom.
For candidates & civic leaders
Use the book as a conversation starter
Bring John to your group
John can speak about outsider campaigns, local government, citizen engagement, communications and what it really takes to win a local election.
Invite John →Start a local discussion
Host a candidate forum, book discussion or civic conversation around one question: What would you change if you were willing to run?
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ARTICLE
Why I decided to run
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Daring to Run
How I Ran an Outsider's Campaign for Mayor of Elmira, New York, and Won
ISBN 9798855805697 • Published by State University of New York Press • Excelsior Editions
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