No, it’s not because Mitt Romney lost. I’m feeling uneasy because of who won.

I’m conflicted because Michael Woodard will be leaving Durham’s City Council to take office in the North Carolina Senate. I voted for Woodard. He’s a close friend. I believe in him, but I’m having a hard time with letting him go.

It feels like the girlfriend who got away. Some other dude offers her more than you can provide, and she takes off for the comforts he promises. Deep down you know it’s the best thing, but it hurts. I’m prepared to let Woodard go, but what are we going to do now that he’s leaving the City Council?

How do you replace a person like Woodard? It’s hard to move on when you can’t stop comparing the new person to the one you let get away. I feel sorry for the person who attempts to step in those big shoes. I suppose we shouldn’t compare, but how will we move on after having such a great relationship?

Woodard is dependable. He understands Durham better than most, and has a balanced approach. Woodard transcends race and culture. I’m convinced he has some black blood in his veins. He grew up watching “Soul Train” and has a love for jazz music. I bet he can do the Wobble dance. If you don’t know what that is, ask a black friend.

He probably salsa dances, a little. It’s hard moving those oversized hips, but I’m willing to bet he has tried. That’s what separates Woodard from the rest. He gets it. He does more than talk about diversity. He is a walking billboard for what it means to embrace all the world has to offer. If it’s out there, Woodard will find it, learn from it, and share the experience with the rest of the city.

Woodard shows up, and, when he does, it’s because he wants to be there. It’s not a phony presentation to get a few more votes. It’s genuine. You can feel it. Woodard does more than kiss a few babies for photo opportunities. He loves the baby all the way to high school graduation.

I’m preparing myself for the worse. Who will step forward to replace Woodard on the City Council? Will they be at the Kwanzaa celebration? Do they know when it’s held and where it takes place? Will they dance with the crowd at the Bull Durham Blues Festival? Have they been before? Will they march with me in the Gay Pride Parade? Or, will they refuse to march due to the fear of how others will think?

Will they go with me to the Sikh Temple and pray with a faithful people? Will they hold the hand of a black boy on Saturday morning and buy him books because there are none in that boy’s house to read? Yes, those are big shoes to fill. No, we can’t expect Woodard’s replacement to be like him.

So, this is my advice to anyone who wants to run for public office. You can’t fake compassion. If it’s not in your bones don’t play with our emotions.

Durham is a city that deserves to be loved and respected. That means all of us, not just the few who know you by name and share coffee with you from time to time. Show us you care enough to dance with us, and we will dance with you.