Local elections generally attract fewer voters than national elections. In my opinion, this is hard to understand. Last year, I was writing about the toxic nature of the presidential election. I felt that the process of electing the president was a disaster and that the selection of candidates was abysmal. In short, I felt that the presidential election was a disgrace.
Town Supervisor Nathan McMurray |
It is the people who are elected to local office who have to be most responsive to their constituents. They have to be available to answer questions and to listen to concerns. They can't hide behind fences and Secret Service. They are not going to be paid off by large corporations or other special interests. Our local officials are our neighbors and our friends. We see them in the supermarket or in the library or at the school play. They are a part of our day-to-day lives. We have to elect people who are both good listeners and good leaders. We also need to elect people with the experience and skills that will better enable them to deal with such crises as the impending loss of 30 to 60 percent of Grand Island's trees as the result of the emerald ash borer infestation, the opioid epidemic, and the prevalence of domestic violence. I purposely did not ask the candidates to comment on issues but, instead, to tell me their personal stories. The upcoming candidates' forum will be the best time for them to focus on issues.
I had the good fortune to be able to interview three of the four candidates for Grand Island's town council. Because this blog is a labor of love, as opposed to a "real job," I decided that I would interview only the candidates who had reached out to me. Hence, I missed one of the candidates, Pete Marston, who is a business owner and the chairman of the town's planning board.
Jennifer Baney |
Cyndy Montana |
Celia Spacone |
Celia Spacone with Rep. Brian Higgins |
In the past few weeks, I have also had the good fortune of being able to spend more time with Cyndy Montana and Celia Spacone. When I participated in Church World Service's annual CROP walk, which combats hunger, both in the world and in the local community, I spent an hour and a half walking with Celia and sharing our perspectives of the world and of our community. There was a campaign event at Mallwitz's, a local bowling alley, and I bowled with Cyndy, Celia and Celia's mom. It was fun and relaxing for everyone who participated.
Town Supervisor Nathan McMurray with town council candidates Celia Spacone and Cyndy Montana |
A candidates' night has been scheduled for Thursday, October 26th, at 7 p.m., at Kaegebein Elementary School on Love Road. People are encouraged to arrive at 6 p.m., to have time to submit questions for the candidates, running for four town offices: two town council seats, town justice, and town highway superintendent.
It's up to the voters to decide who to elect, based on the vision of the candidates, as they have articulated during this campaign season. Election Day is November 7th. Those of us who serve as election inspectors will hand out "I voted" stickers this year. Come to vote and bring a friend.
Stay tuned! There may be a few more candidate interviews!
6 comments:
I loved reading your interviews, and I particularly loved just getting to know them, not hearing them argue their political viewpoints. And I agree that each vote matters!
The only place I'm politically active is at the local level. It is where we really can make a difference. Local officials are the easiest to get to know and hold accountable. If we can replace incompetent or dishonest officials at the local level with better people, we can influence who may go on to climb the political ladder. Most officials at the state and national level started with offices at the local level. If we prune the bad candidates locally, we can prevent them from winning higher offices.
These interviews have been most interesting , it gives a glimpse into the real person, what inspires them and their journey. I wish someone would cover this when we have elections in India.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on elections 2017 at your country. All the best.
I loved the fact that you could interview the candidates with such ease and be impressed with their sincerity too. Just contrasting this with the Indian scenario and its a 100 light years away from such positive outlook!!
Thank you for your thoughtful, honest comments. I am glad I got to know you!
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