Daily Local News (West Chester, PA)
Poor election turnout shows that people have been let down by leaders
The guys who came up with welfare are going to love this suggestion. Let’s pay people to vote. All this hand wringing about a 22-percent vote count by Trenton residents can be solved by giving away money for your vote, or, even candy since city residents flock to Easter and Trunk or Treat events that dispense free chocolate.
If people refuse participation in democracy then let’s reel them into this big U.S. tug boat of freedom with offers of $10 per poll appearance.
Smart money on entrepreneurs that sell off their vote for a $20 note. Poverty makes profiteers and opportunists of us all.
Wait until the 11 million undocumented residents receive a pathway to citizenship. Our Hispanic brothers and sisters and other immigrants embarrass us by their tenacity for work and upward mobility.
A person suggested that municipal elections should move to November, coinciding with general elections.
While a development of alternative methods for elections represent forward thinking because government should pursue inclusion, citizens should be responsible for participation in civic matters. If we continue to lower our standards for elections then eventually government will resemble our education system.
U.S. citizens take for granted our freedom and a system that can affect change. People who check out of government generally accept what ever flows from the top of the volcano whether it’s hot lava or chilled crap.
By the way, our sweettoothed desire for free stuff never involves visiting the Trenton Free Public Library. Sure, apathy exists throughout Trenton but when people start talking about how we got here, it’s best to admit the deterioration of competent public figures.
City Council members used to serve their constituents with distinction but there’s been a drop off from the days when public servants such as Jennye “From the Block” Stubblefield, Frank Cirillo, John Cipriano, Albert “Bo” Robinson and Carmen Armenti delivered powerful public performances.
Stubblefield served as West Ward councilwoman for 14 years. She stands as a champion amongst her constituents, a person who understood that service required a donation of her time.
By the way, the apathy that envelops Trenton occurs because people have tired of all the promises and inadequate performance of government. They have understandably checked out knowing that most words expressed in sound and fury campaign mode, signify nothing.
A visit to WalMart Wednesday involved a conversation with a Trenton resident named Stella.
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve called just to get a garbage can placed at the corner of West State St. and Newell (Ave.),” Stella complained. “I got almost nothing. But even when they did put a trash can there, someone stole it. They couldn’t just chain the trash can to a pole. I’m tired of fighting.”
This malaise being felt by residents connects with disappointment and the daily frustrations of not being listened to and not being heard.
People are tired of lackluster leadership and lies.