Pay attention to local elections
The news proves they really matter
I find myself guilty. I am guilty as charged with the offense of not paying attention to local elections and giving them the importance, they deserve.
The election is upon us and we are focused like never before on who will be the next president of the United States. While the election of the president is important, it is as important to pay attention to local elections and the candidates who run for these offices.
Who are these candidates and what do they stand for? I admit that Ihave faltered in this area. I recall on occasion casting my vote at the top of the ballot with great enthusiasm and knowledge of who I was voting for but failing miserably as I moved further down the ballot. There the names were less familiar tome almost to the point of no recognition.
The positions varied from election to election and jurisdiction to jurisdiction. Sometimes it involved voting for a city or a county council member. On other occasions, itwas for a prosecutor or a judge. And on other occasions a school board member or amember of a board or committee.
I admit that on occasion my memory, jogged by a political sign or slogan or an unusual name became the deciding factor for my vote. Or if that failed, I voted along party lines. Neither path is acceptable tome.
Yes, it is challenging to learn in-depth about these candidates and their platforms. They do not get the coverage or attention of national candidates. But regardless, as a citizen it ismy responsibility to knowmore.
I admit I knew very little about these down-ballot candidates and I regret it. Why? Because, aswe have seen over the last several months these positions have a great and direct effect on our lives.
Thedecisionsoncoronavirus shutdowns, criminal prosecutions, school closings, business closings, health issues and what to do about soaring crime rates are some of the decisions made by our local politicians. We have seen about 3½ months of rioting in Portland as well as other cities. We have seen the Minneapolis City Council call for disbanding the police. We have seen local politicians surrendering parts of their cities. We have seen police ordered to stand back while statutes are torn down without any input from anybody but the mob … and the list goes on.
To be fair some of the elected local leaders acted with great courage and purpose, others not so much. These decisions as well as decisions regarding taxes, land use, economic revitalization, conservation, the quality of schools and many other important issues are under the control of our local elected leaders. And they most assuredly impact the quality of our lives.
So yes, the election of the president is important but local elections are important too.
Don’t take my word for it, just ask the people ofNewYork City, Portland, Chicago, Minneapolis and SanFrancisco. I think they would agree. I for one will be paying more attention.