Busy time for county government requires a scorecard

This was a weekend for scoreboards.

The U.S. Open. Major League Baseball. Youth baseball and softball tournaments.

Here in Hamilton County, we should take note and remember to keep score.

This is not about runs or strokes, but it can be phrased as hits and errors.

That’s right, in terms of Hamilton County government, the weeks in June are always some of the biggest of the year. The budget is the overarching priority for the county mayor and nine county commissioner, and the 2018 budget is scheduled to be voted on this week.

Now, add in the back-andforth power struggle that has been our school board’s search for a new superintendent, and this two-week stretch in Hamilton County

government has arguably been the busiest ever.

And maybe the most important.

Memories fade. So do grandiose ideas.

But remember this — the next time your commissioner or school board member finds their name on a ballot, there will be plenty of folks trying to spin where they sat during this busy time.

Don’t take their word for it; take your word for it.

That’s right. Start keeping score. If you live on Signal, make a note how Kathy Lennon voted in the superintendent process. Or how Rhonda Thurman, Joe Galloway or the rest voted, if they are your representative.

Were you for Kirk Kelly staying? Did you let your board member know? Yes, our elected officials serve sizable constituencies, and maybe your voice was not heard. How important is that to you?

Want to know when your voice will be heard?

During the next election cycle.

So keep score.

Be an informed voter. Having a more informed electorate benefits the process and the people. At all levels. So start today.

Go back and read Kendi Rainwater’s school coverage at timesfreepress.com. Find out what Paul Leach reported about the county budget process and the debate over taxes and the need for important building projects in the county.

Amid all the buzz from candidates saying either “Trust the experienced name” or “Vote them all out” are real issues that need real attention.

Keep notes on how your elected officials voted before time — and other issues — overtake what’s happening now.

Being armed with information is rarely a negative.

Keep score now and you will help create the proper outcome during the next election.