What have you done for us lately?
Please allow me to reintroduce myself. Some of you may remember me from my previous contributions to this print publication. In those writings I put forth every effort to present an unbiased representation of local news, events and issues of concern to this community. The following paragraphs will likely not be seen as following that protocol.
With primary elections only a few days away, I feel compelled to express some personal, unsolicited opinions because too many of us have been silent for too long.
Let me preface my remarks by saying these statements may not apply to all. And if you honestly feel as if they do not apply to you, then they don't.
Based on recent conversations, local citizens – myself included – are dissatisfied with the state of affairs in our city and county and the leadership – or lack thereof – received from our political leaders. Collectively, we feel neglected, abandoned, and without a voice. In many cases we rarely see you; many of us have no idea who our elected or wannabe officials are until you're asking for our vote.
When we need help with an issue and we seek you out, you're unavailable – for one reason or another. And if we're lucky enough to corner you for an initial conversation, in many cases you fail to follow up and follow through.
We are concerned about the seemingly lack of progress in our community. Our pothole-ridden streets/roads are in deplorable conditions. Automatic weapons, random gunfire and other criminal activities rob us of our peace.
Those who are in office spend meeting times bickering over seemingly trivial matters instead of addressing our real needs. You make excuses about the lack of funds, but instead of pursuing grants and funding you spend your time pursuing photo ops and social media "Likes."
Whenever there is an influx of capital it goes towards things that rarely enhance the quality of life for the citizens.
Political hopefuls make empty promises about what they're going to do for us, but yet not even show up for board meetings to see what we need or how to go about getting it.
In my prior news coverage of board meetings during the six years that I worked for the local newspaper, those that were seeking office rarely, if ever, even attended a session.
Do you really care about what's going on in the community or are you just looking for an easy paycheck?
Don't let the $45,000 a year annual salary that a county supervisor gets be your main focus for running because we need someone who is actually going to care about our needs.
For too long people have been elected to positions on the basis of… that's my friend, that's my kin, that's my color. We've got real problems in our community and we need real people to solve them.
Don't just show up at election time to make yourself known. We need help all year round. We need boots on the ground; we need caring, concerned leaders. So political hopefuls, I ask you… what have you done for us lately?
The lyrics from a 1986 Janet Jackson song come to mind and seem somewhat apropos, "Your friends seem to think that you're so peachy-keen, but MY friends say neglect is on your mind. Who's right…What have you done for me lately?"
You want our votes; you accost us in public places asking for our support. You knock on our doors and put your placards on our windshields, yet you present no viable platform.
Before we vote for you, we want to know why you are seeking office. Is it just so people will look up to you, so you can have your five minutes in the spotlight? Or is it just to collect that lawmakers' salary?
Some of you seem to run for any position that's open and to us that make it seems as though you're only looking for a paycheck. If you're unsuccessful in this election, then you jump back into another race in the next election.
We are looking for some semblance of the dedication, concern and love these political hopefuls say they have for our community, and in many cases it is non-existent.
People seek and get elected to political positions and that's when the work stops instead of starts. We desire progress, but all that we seemingly get is regress.
Once again, these words are not directed at all political hopefuls or all would-be elected officials, but I challenge the readers to be selective in your voting process. Don't just pick someone because they're your friend or because of what they say they will do. Be committed to the question, “What have you done for me lately?”
That's all for this time, but soon I hope to ask the question… If you love me like you say, then why do you treat me like you do?
