love is all you need
Richard Bailey is Coronado's 51st Mayor
Why would a man who is capable of doing anything in the world, go through all the work to win an election for a job that pays $435 a month?
I had a wonderful time interviewing Coronado’s new Mayor, Richard Bailey, who has since become a great friend, and he shared a personal story with me that answers this question.
While not everyone grew up with loving, supportive, sincere and kind parents, Richard did, and it shaped his character in all the best ways.
When Richard was little, his father, Rick, took great care of his family as well as an elderly neighbor named Helen. Helen would call Rick when she needed help, sometimes it was the lawn that needed attention, other times it was simply changing a light bulb that was too high to reach.
Rick would faithfully go and help-out Helen. Richard recalls a time when his father had worked all day, coached his little league team after work, sat down with the family for dinner and then the phone rang, just when Rick was finally getting ready to relax.
“Every single time she would call, my dad would pick up the phone, even if it came at his own expense…to drive to the hardware store and buy the lightbulb or bring over his lawn mower and get her lawn mowed. He always looked out for her. He is probably one of the most patient people I know.”
Richard said that those experiences helped him. “It taught me to look after people, especially people that are in a position where they can’t look out for themselves. It’s important to show the initiative, to actually improve someone’s life. That’s rewarding, whether you realize it at the time or not, it is rewarding.”
To this day, Richard, his dad, mom, and sister get together most weeks for family dinner in the house he and his sister grew up in. It’s not complicated. It’s simply good, old-school love. It’s people looking out for each other that makes the difference from a tough life experience to one of peace and boundless opportunity. Just by being a witness to kindness, Richard picked it up.
Throughout his childhood, he was loved, supported, and believed in. Now, he can do anything. With his skills and experience, Richard could clearly make millions; he’s capable of so much. Yet, he graciously accepts only $435 a month from the City of Coronado so that he can take care of this town and the people in it.
Thanks, Rick, for being a great dad to Richard and for being an example of how to take good care of people. Your kindness now benefits this town through your son.
Thanks Richard Bailey, for taking on a
part-time job as Mayor of this magnificent Crown City with full-time sincerity, care, and attention.
All love, friend.
If you would like to stay current with the mayor, contact with him with questions, or even ask him how you can help, follow Richard Bailey on Facebook at:
Richard Bailey 51st Mayor of Coronado
Or send him an email: rbailey@coronado.ca.us
blooper reel...for some reason, getting our picture taken turned out to be really funny!
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