Luis Viera at the C. Blythe Andrews Jr. Public Library in Tampa, Florida on July 9, 2026. Credit: Dave Decker / Creative Loafing Tampa Bay
Soon, after 10 years, I will be leaving Tampa City Council. There are some important political life facts I have observed in this time. Here are 10 of those facts.
First, public office should make you more humble.
In office, some think that, to quote Billy Joel, everybody loves you now. You are one election loss or embarrassing text away from nobody asking for your opinions or thinking you are funny.
Second, never fill holes in your heart with political office.
We all have holes in our hearts. Run for office to effect change, not to remedy hurt. Political office can be fulfilling and noble, but does not turn life’s lights back on. That moment of forever that stays with you can exist with or without public office.
Third, friends matter.
Politics is as real as the planet of Eternia. Authentic friendship is real. The political world has many wonderful people—but they sometimes want something. You call friends when your heart has been ripped out of your chest. Politicians sometimes have two voices—the politician “autopilot” voice (“how you doing! Me? I’m great!”). Then there is the natural but sometimes suppressed vulnerable voice that exists deep inside. Remember friends who welcome and encourage that second voice. They outlast public office and matter.
Fourth, there is great heart in stepping out in politics.
When I was considering running in 2016, I had anxiety and fear of public failure. I was an established lawyer and thought: “What if I fail and embarrass myself?”
Bruce Springsteen sang: “Talk about a dream, try to make it real. You wake up in the night with a fear so real. Spend your life waiting for a moment that just won’t come. Well, don’t waste your time waiting.”
Those words were on my heart in 2016. I thought about “Rocky VI,” where the “stuff in the basement” causes Rocky to get back in the ring. He does this not to win, but to prove to himself that he could compete during aging, grief and life changes—the stuff in Rocky’s basement.
Like all of us, I still have “stuff in the basement,” but the running for office part is no longer there. Filing and facing my fear was my victory. When fear says sit down, you stand up. You will be glad you did.
Fifth, come from the heart.
Make your political experience about your journey—whether as your father’s daughter, a sexual trauma survivor, a veteran, a refugee, an LGBT person, a descendent of an enslaved person who survived the Middle Passage or a firefighter or cop. Be inauthentic and you will leave politics like Mick Jagger, unsatisfied.
Sixth, political office is a truth serum.
God help the politician who blossoms into the douchebag they always privately aspired to be. People reveal who they really are after both victories and defeats. Jimmy Carter was a humble Christian as President and, after a heartbreaking election loss, built homes for the poor. Be a Jimmy Carter.
Seventh, loyalty matters.
In politics, dance with who brought you. If you do not like who brought you, then leave the dance.
Eighth, never betray your values.
People say about politicians: “they have to say that.” Fact: No, they do not. Never find yourself angering people for an insincere position—or promoting values that would have horrified you not long ago. Soirees or drama-free primaries are not worth self-betrayal.
Ninth, include family in your political journey.
Family is everything. I have amazing civic memories with my son. Make your tribe a part of event-filled Saturdays. They care, love you and will have pride in what they see you do.
Tenth, show a little faith.
Faith is a journey. Mine goes up and down, but I know that, while we may not always acknowledge God, God always acknowledges us. Be open to God moments in public office. They are real.
I was elected 10 years ago; 10 years ago seems like two decades ago. Life did not stop because of public office—the good, mundane and bad all happened. I have had moments of inspiration—as well as personal challenge and loss. My most beautiful reward in this time has not been politics, but seeing my son grow into a fine young man.
I often think of these lyrics by David Grohl:
“It came in a flash. It came out of nowhere. It happened so fast. And then it was over. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? Is this happening now? Are you feeling what I’m feeling? This is happening now.”
I hope I have used my City of Tampa experience to acknowledge and enjoy what is happening now.
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This article appears in Sept. 17 – 23, 2026.
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