As we get
close to the consolidated local elections on April 2nd. I have a few
things for you to consider.
Invitations
went out to all of the Fairfield city council candidates inviting them to
appear on our Community Connection program, which is hosted by Tom Lavine. Tom
had a list of important questions about the issues that will be facing the
council in the foreseeable future and each of the candidates had opinions. It
helps voters evaluate them by their stands.
But I am not
a one-issue voter and I would encourage you to not be either. I have a
different measuring stick. Reasonable people can disagree on a single topic. I like
asking this question before I cast my ballot in any election..“Does the
candidate have an agenda…or do they possess a servant’s heart?”
Let me
explain. As a city council member, you must be approachable…willing to take
criticism…and be a representative of the people to be
effective. This is the same litmus test I use when considering a school board
candidate.
I’ve served
as a city council member in my hometown. Some of the most impressive candidates
were lousy aldermen. They were “show horses.” You need to be a “work horse” and
have the best interest of your constituents at heart.
Please don’t
misinterpret my words. I’m not implying any of the candidates up for election a
week from tomorrow are not qualified. I merely suggest a way for you to measure
them prior to casting a ballot.
Are they running
to serve themselves…or running to serve you?
I suggest
you pick the latter.
I no longer live in Fairfield, but was born and raised there and keep up with goings on through WFIW, The Wayne County Press and on social media. I recently read a post on social media from a local Fairfield woman who said she did not know who her aldermen were. I also read a comment from another person who said they had no idea what voting ward they lived in. Nothing says “I don’t care about my town” more than that statement and to me it was appalling! The blame should be placed on the voters (OR LACK THEREOF). That shows how much the citizens really care about their town! These same people have complained on issues in the past and yet apparently they do not vote or they would know who they voted for in the last election for alderman. Candidates running for office can get a list of voters from the County Clerks office at the Wayne County Court House. I believe if everyone saw these lists (which are public records) they would be shocked at how many people don’t actually go vote. If you don’t know who your alderman are or what ward you live in, or you don’t bother to go vote, then go look in the mirror. . . YOU ARE THE PROBLEM! At least the candidates have put their hat in the ring to win election to the council, you haven’t even left your dang house to go to the polls. Its time to “put up or shut up” or your going to see your town go down the tubes faster than you can say “trashy yards” or “junk cars”.
ReplyDeleteSandra Simpson