Evaluating our elected officials
I honestly believe that most of us still value better governance than just that song and dance from politicians, the giveaways and dole-outs we see during elections. We should hold our elected officials to account. With our country facing rough seas ahead, we cannot afford to bring in the clowns and dancers to take care of our future.
aside from my usual discourse on our urban and traffic woes, I will begin a series of articles on leadership, which I feel is very relevant at this crucial time in our history. I previously wrote about the search for our next president, the next “captain of our ship” and the national leadership traits we need. Today, I will discuss about choosing our other leaders.
Legislators: senators, congressmen, councilors; and local administrators: governors, mayors and their deputies; or the more than 18,000 elective posts that we will also vote for in 2022. They are, given their proximity to our lives, equally important as our search for our national leaders. Unlike the presidency, however, these posts allow three-peats. And here, we are in a fortunate position to review and evaluate their performances, just like a teacher giving a report card or a private firm rating their employees.
I have come up with a list of questions, to provide hopefully an insight on the performance of public officials vying for re-election and for anyone asking for our vote. You may have a different set and admittedly these are all subjective, depending on your beliefs on governance. But given where we are heading, it would be good for us to have such a guide to ensure that we have a better chance of choosing right, this time. Hence:
1. Does the official have a good vision and program that will benefit his/her constituency? Is there a viable road map for this vision? Has this road map been embarked on? And because of this vision, has it made the lives of his/her constituents better?
2. Has the official performed his/ her stated duties and programs well and beyond the call of duty? With local administrators: services such as health, social welfare, public order, safety, environment, fiscal management? With legislators: Session/committee attendance? Bills/resolutions co/sponsored? Voted for/against? Active participation in debates, interpellation or part of the so-called “committee of the silent”? Working beyond regular working hours, days, during times of disaster and emergency? Despite limited funds and resources and without any intention for political gains?
3. Does the official work for fairness, the common good and without abuse of power? Equal access for everyone on assistance, services and opportunities? Projects and programs benefitting the whole community and not one sector of society? Or is the position used to gain undue advantage for self, family and allies? A sense of entitlement? Example—does he/she travel with an unnecessary number of bodyguards, escorts? Sirens stopping traffic?
4. Is the official incorruptible, morally upright and trustworthy? Does he/she tell the truth? Or lie easily? Meddling in government contracts or businesses? Undue influence for other considerations? Beholden to the interest of others? Involvement in corruption, even as simple as taking office supplies for private use? Unexplained wealth of the official, family or allies? Flaunting their cars, houses, jewelry, travel, etc.? Their names and faces on government projects? Accuracy of SALN and other claims such as academic, medical, legal records? Issues on morality, illegal drugs, infidelity, land grabbing, political vendetta, discrimination, cronyism, nepotism, control of businesses?
Does he/she live a simple life?
5. Is the official fearless in doing what is right? Dispense his/her duties without fear or favor to any sector, group or individual? Protecting the weak and marginalized? Readily oppose or punish wrongdoing, even if done by members of his/her family and allies? Fighting for what is right even if that will cost or endanger his position/ office/well-being? Or is it just politics and self that is important?
It may be that we are expecting too much of our elected officials, but should we not? Were they not forewarned of the sacrifice that comes with the office, and not just the benefits? After all, are they not public “servants” that we have a social contract with, and that we should be able to terminate or renew, come election time? If they had performed well to be voted for the same or higher office, why not? In the same manner, if they don’t meet our criteria, then we should let them go. I honestly believe that most of us still value better governance than just that song and dance from politicians, the giveaways and dole-outs we see during elections. We should hold our elected officials to account. With our country facing rough seas ahead, we cannot afford to bring in the clowns and dancers to take care of our future.