While Goetz was at Kathleen, he was desperately attempting to sell his house. Do to an outside source, he was unfortunately unable to. Goetz knew he did not belong and had to get out. He was stuck and appeared to be suffocating in Florida.

What does anyone do when they cannot leave somewhere they do not want to be? Most would simply run away. James Goetz ran for public office.

Goetz's choice was to change what he did not like. It was a courageous and admirable decision he most likely regrets. As he attempted to change things to meet his comfort he unknowingly ruffled the feathers of the people who were comfortable.

James Goetz once said he wanted to be President of the United States. Had he had the opportunity, he may have done a decent job of it. A registered Independent with Republican ideals and union support is quite confusing. Had he taken some years to learn politics, perhaps work on another campaign and learn about people, things would have been different. He obviously had no business running for public office at this time. However, he appears he did more for the City of Lakeland in one rookie campaign than his opponent had done in multiple terms.

A show of his mindful ways can be depicted by his actions, which occurred after a wedding ceremony in Lakeland. After the reception, Goetz and wife went back to their home. Some friends accompanied them to watch a game on television. One of them, riding a motorcycle, parked his vehicle in their garage. After a while, there was a knock on their door. It was the police. A neighbor had called in a complaint stating the driver of the motorcycle was driving too fast. By the time the officer arrived, the guests had departed. The driver of the motorcycle, having too much to drink, left the bike for the evening and was driven home.

The officers harassed Goetz and his pregnant wife, attempting to force entry into their residence and searching their garage for the bike, without permission. The Goetz family was upset.

James Goetz was determined to correct this injustice. Before calling internal affairs, he spoke with his old University of Tampa college roommate and also his childhood best friend, who were both police officers (in other parts of the country). They both urged him not to file a report and let it go.

Goetz took their advice and instead, enrolled in the Lakeland Citizens Police Academy, in order to gain an understanding and appreciation of the jobs and duties of the Lakeland police department. He learned the ins and outs and the dynamics of being a police officer. While what happened to Goetz and his wife will never be considered acceptable, he was able to develop an appreciation within Lakeland for the job of the officers and graduated, earning his patch and certificate.

More to follow in James Goetz New Jersey Stands Up Moves Forward Part 3