Think, then vote

Editor, The Commercial: Getting the right to vote was not easy. Black people were willing to die for the right to vote. They understood their vote had the power to change things within their local communities. However, when the party becomes more important than community needs, neighborhood improvement takes a back seat to the party label and voting becomes not about community improvement but the party.

Therefore, when you step outside, what do you expect to see and are you satisfied? Are you aware you are hiring an employee when you vote? Yes, the voters are the boss of every politician they hire.

As a voter, you should do your research and not take the word of a friend, ad on radio, TV or party label. I hope you all have done your research to become knowledgeable about what kind of policies the candidate is advancing.

You could elect a person whose political affiliation and skin color is the same as yours. Without research, their views on issues may be very radical, in education, faith, crime prevention, etc., and the day after comes voters’ remorse. Then, you will have to live with your choice for two, four, or six years. Know their record of accomplishments and check out what they have done.

Have you listened to both candidates, were you focused on the party or community improvement policies? Did you ask yourself what makes one candidate policies and plans for improvement better than the other? Never allow skin color or friendship to become the deciding factors for choosing a candidate. City government is a business where the voters have the power to hire and fire

Remember, you have the power to hire and fire the elected representative, and they should always show the utmost respect to you, the citizens/voters/taxpayers. All of these representatives work for you. Finally, the vote is the most powerful weapon we citizens have to bring about change in our communities and neighborhoods. One vote, makes it count today!