I plan to start working with Charles soon, using whatever opportunities I have to promote his campaign and help him in his uphill battle against Amanda Fritz. Most people have already got her pencilled into office, but I figure, well hell, we might as well pretend the election actually matters. I think we should at least wait until someone votes first.

I'm just getting to know Charles, and I hope over the coming months not only to learn more about him but to share it with others around the city and get them to understand he is a special person worthy of their support. At this point, I have two reasons for my support.

One, I find that I am attracted to underdogs: Howard Dean, Barack Obama, Steve Novick, Pete Sorenson. I supported these candidates when they were no-hopers. I think there's something about a person who answers the call to public service in the face of big odds. Either that person flames out fast — Chris Dodd is a great Senator, but there's a reason his presidential campaign didn't last very long — or they demonstrate they have those special characteristics needed to be a leader. Dean, Obama, Novick and Sorenson have all proved that time and again. Just because 3 of the 4 did not win their campaign does not mean they are not terrific leaders; we know they are. Sometimes, you can be a great candidate and still not win. That's politics. But I saw something I liked in all four of these candidates, and I felt they were worth my time and effort (and a bit of money).

I feel the same about Charles. I'm interested, and excited, to see what becomes of this journey he has started by running for city council. The fact that he was able to get the second spot on the ballot tells me he does have something special. It seems others agreed enough to get him past the primary.

The other reason I support Charles is music. Nothing means as much to me in life, apart from the people I love, than music. Where everything else has failed me, and many people, too, music has never let me down. No matter how awful things may be in life, there is always some music I can listen to cope, heal and recover. I love music of almost every variety: folk, pop, rock, ska, classical, bluegrass, Celtic, alt.country, dance (thump thump thump), ABBA, Texican, salsa, Arab pop-rock, all that amazing music coming out of Africa ... it's hard to categorize because there's just so much damn good music available.

And Charles has been bringing music to kids. I have a lot to learn about Ethos, but that he's dedicated his life at this point to doing this tells me huge amounts about him. I know that for both my sons, music made all the difference in their lives. I am thrilled that Charles is bringing this gift to other children, because nothing gives life more meaning than getting involved in some kind of creative art. Every religion humankind has known (apart from some really hardcore self-deniers) has expressed its faith through art. They may think they are worshipping their gods; I think their gods give them an excuse to exercise true spirituality through music, painting, writing and whatever arts to which they are led.

So: Charles Lewis for City Council. Go learn more at his website. Give him some money. Wear a pin. Invite him to your group or function so you can get to know him. If you get down to Corvallis, ask his sister-in-law about him; she adores him. Or drop me a line and I'll tell you why you need to consider this race and this man. More coming to this and other blogs.