A Long Time Coming: From a Petition Packet to Gilbert Town Council

A nine-year journey of resilience, perseverance, faith—and a calling to serve Gilbert.

Nine years ago, I picked up a candidate packet with a desire to serve. This week, I received my Certificate of Election.

In 2017, I picked up a candidate packet because I was interested in running for Gilbert Town Council.

I remember going to the Downtown Gilbert Farmers Market, talking with residents and collecting signatures to qualify for the ballot. I didn’t collect enough signatures that first time.

I could have viewed that as a failure.

Instead, it became part of my preparation.

I learned how the process worked. I learned the importance of getting out into the community, listening to people and earning their trust one conversation at a time. Most importantly, I learned that sometimes a calling requires patience.

Two years later, I tried again.

This time, I collected the signatures I needed and earned a place on the ballot. I ran for Gilbert Town Council, but I wasn’t elected.

And then came the third time.

As they say, third time’s a charm.

On Tuesday, August 4, 2026, I stood inside Gilbert Town Hall and received my Certificate of Election as a Councilmember-Elect for the Town of Gilbert.

Looking at that certificate, I couldn’t help but think about 2017.

The petition packet.

The Farmers Market.

The conversations.

The signatures I didn’t get.

The election I didn’t win.

And all the years between then and now.

Resilience. Perseverance. Faith.

There are many moments in life when it would be easier to stop.

Many people encounter a closed door and assume it means the journey is over. Sometimes it does. But sometimes it simply means there is more preparation ahead.

For me, there remained a bigger call in my heart: to serve the community I call home.

That conviction survived disappointment. It survived waiting. And it reminded me that public service should never simply be about obtaining a title or winning an election.

It should be about people.

That’s why receiving this certificate means so much to me. It represents far more than the outcome of one election. It represents years of perseverance, relationships, learning, faith and a continued commitment to Gilbert.

But I also recognize something important:

Running is one thing. Governing is another.

Winning an election doesn’t mean you suddenly have all the answers. In many ways, it means you need to start asking better questions.

Between now and January, I intend to do exactly that.

I will listen.

I will learn.

I will meet with residents, Town staff, current and former elected officials, business owners, community leaders and others who understand both the opportunities and challenges facing Gilbert.

I want to understand our roads and infrastructure, water, public safety, economic development, responsible growth, finances and the many decisions that will shape Gilbert for the next generation.

Because when I take my seat on January 5, 2027, I don’t simply want to occupy a seat on the Council.

I want to be prepared to serve.

To the People of Gilbert: Thank You

To everyone who opened their door when I knocked, stopped to talk with me, placed a sign in their yard, volunteered, encouraged me, prayed for me, challenged me, voted for me—or simply took the time to share what matters to them—thank you.

And to those who didn’t vote for me: I will be your representative too.

Elections inevitably divide us into candidates and supporters. Governing requires us to come back together as neighbors.

More than 300,000 people call Gilbert home. Each has different experiences, priorities and perspectives. My responsibility will be to listen to those voices, weigh difficult decisions thoughtfully and always remember whom the seat belongs to: the people of Gilbert.

I cannot promise that everyone will agree with every decision I make.

But I can promise this:

I will listen more than I speak.

I will ask questions.

I will do my homework.

I will work collaboratively.

I will lead with integrity.

And I will give the people of Gilbert my very best.

Nine years after picking up that first candidate packet, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity ahead.

The campaign is ending.

The preparation to govern has already begun.

Thank you, Gilbert. It will be the honor of a lifetime to serve you.

— Bus Obayomi
Gilbert Town Council Member-Elect
Term begins January 5, 2027