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A Democrat Fondly Recalls Ralph Hughes
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Published: July 7, 2008
I felt compelled to write about my unexpected friendship with Ralph Hughes, who passed away recently. I have worked for more than one candidate who was on the losing side of Ralph. He had a reputation, one that I had heard about for most of my years in local politics. You didn't want to be on the other side of Ralph. But because of political parties that is where I found myself for many years.
That changed when Ralph saw my primary debate during the 2006 school board race and called to tell me he was impressed with me and wanted to meet to discuss supporting my candidacy. Preconceived notions made me hesitant to meet with him. But at the insistence of my husband and advisors I agreed to talk to him.
During our meeting I told Ralph that whether he supported me or not he could always call and I would always listen. I told him that we would not always agree, but we could always try to change each other's minds. We talked about problems we felt existed in the school system. We talked and listened and made no promises to one another.
Ralph supported me, and I won the office I sought.
At first I saw Ralph as a supporter. But it didn't take long to see him as a friend. He called to critique me, and ask how I felt about issues coming before the board. He stated his opinions and listened to mine, and we debated when we didn't agree. We had lunch, and he introduced me to people he thought I could team with to make our community better.
I took grief over accepting Ralph's support. I even had people in my own party tell me to refuse his support. I have no regrets.
During one of our debates he ended our conversation with, "You know April, you have a point. I hadn't thought of it that way." I felt like I had just moved a mountain. But I now know it wasn't much of an accomplishment because he was a much more reasonable man than people gave him credit for.
We shared a mutual respect. I feel so very privileged to have been able to know Ralph the way I did and feel proud that I earned his friendship, a gift he didn't give lightly.
He liked to say he was glad he was smart enough to know how dumb he really was, and always knew he could learn more. He taught me a lot. I feel a profound sense of loss, both personally and for the community. I never would have thought I would call Ralph Hughes a friend, and am honored to have been able to do so. I will miss him greatly.
No matter whether you agreed with Ralph or not, I believe he was involved in politics because he truly believed he could make the world a better place.
April Griffin is a member of the Hillsborough County School Board.
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