Dad's Adventure into Politics
Thomas Lloyd Blaxton retired from ministry in Willow Springs, MO, and moved to Yukon, OK, in 1973.
Never one to sit and do nothing, dad began to attend city council meetings. He became the bane of the city manager. Dad and his co-horts became well known faces at council meetings. Their expertise was in digging out background information on city projects, especially projects that had received federal funding. Dad never served on city council, but he was definitely familiar with all the inner workings of the council.
In 1975, dad was briefly the state campaign chaiman for Jimmy Carter. He became disillusioned with professionals on Mr. Carter's campaign and dropped off that campaign.
But, dad's biggest pride and joy was his contribution to the campaign of David Boren, first for governor and then for David's first run for senate. Dad admired, respected and loved David Boren. When dad died in Sept. 1981, David spoke at his funeral. He reminded us of how dad kept him on his toes, making sure that David knew why he voted the way he did on issues, even if the vote was not the way dad wanted.
I have always said that, to dad, David was his other son.
Dad also worked long and hard for other politicians in OK. Former OK Attorney General Larry Derryberry was a favorite of dad's. I remember former US Representative Glenn English being on dad's list of candidates with promise.
Dad would be so proud of those he trusted so much if he could only see them now. And you know, I think he CAN see them now.
When dad died, he left behind a legacy. He taught me that we should not quietly sit by and let government do its own thing at the expense of the public. Dad never had much, but he left his mark on my life.
From his example, I learned to research issues and to stand up for what I believed was right, even if it meant standing alone. Dad was a man of integrity. His word was his bond. His religion and politics were based on a deep committment to do what was right and just.
When I won the seat on city council in Twin Falls, Idaho, in the fall of 1989, tears slipped down my cheeks, and I whispered, "Daddy, this is for you."
I served four years on city council and sought hard to do things in a way that would have made my daddy proud. I would never have wanted him to be embarrassed by my actions or votes.
After I left office, I began my own journey through researching the dangers of silicone gel breast implants. My family and I traveled to Washington, DC, where I spoke before the Institute of Medicine in July 1998. I went back again in the fall of 2003, to stand before the FDA panel. In April 2005, I was a new widow. My daughter and I set out across country in an old motorhome to speak once more before our government about the dangers of silicone gel breast implants.
Each time the old motorhome broke down, I reminded myself that dad would be rooting me on from his ring side seat in heaven.
My daughter will take up his banner with her degree in Criminal Justice Administration. She has already learned to dig for information like the grandfather she never knew.
Daddy, your girls are proud of you, and we know you are smiling down on us.