Editor’s Note: This piece was published by Robert A in a 2006 “Print” edition. It is just as (or more) important NOW as it ever was in 2006.
Up until a couple of years ago I never really paid a great deal of attention to our local elections. I’d made it a point to vote in the Presidential election each time that rolled around, but I never really considered our county elections worthy of the same level of attention. I’d be driving down the road during the pre-election frenzy and wonder, who exactly put all those signs up? And of course, the more important question was; just who intends to clean that mess up when it’s all over? Here are a few of the astounding reasons I’ve had for voting for certain candidates over the years.
- He/She is an incumbent and I have not heard anything really horrible about them. Therefore, they must be doing a good job. I’ll vote for them.
- This is obviously a female name and since women have a harder time obtaining positions of power this one must really have her act together. I’ll vote for her.
- I discussed this race with several people while waiting in line and they recommended this guy. Considering the fact that I’d never heard of most of these people, I might as well vote for who everyone else seems to like. They’d probably have won anyway.
- I’ve actually met this fellow before and he seemed all right. I’ll vote for him.
- I overheard some folks at work discussing this man and they thought he was the solution to all our problems. This concept also applies to political signs. The more signs someone had the more popular I felt they were. That appeared to be sound reasoning at the time, so I cast more than one vote based on popularity or sign count.
- This rascal jumped out in front of me on my way into the polls and handed me his card. He seemed a bit desperate to me and there was most likely a reason for that. I made sure I didn’t vote for that fool.
- And when all else failed, “Enie, Meanie Miney, Moe” always held the right answer!! Surely fate was guiding that pen when I played that game with my ballot. I’ve voted for that guy more than once.
What was I thinking? I ultimately realized I hadn’t been thinking at all. I also know I have no one to blame except myself. What exactly did our state and county elected officials do that was so important anyway?
Well, they make all our laws, raise or lower our taxes, plan our state and local budgets, etc. Exactly how our tax dollars are spent depends on who we’ve decided to represent us. Everything from if we must cover our pickup load of trash with a tarp to making it mandatory that seat belts are worn by passengers in the back seat of our cars is decided by the very people I’d so haphazardly voted for.
What about the Sheriff? Just how important is that guy? I’d have to say extremely important at this point. The Sheriff implements all programs and procedures for that department countywide. Everything from where and how drug trafficking is addressed, procedures at the jail, personnel decisions, and implementation of programs to fight crime and raise public awareness fall squarely on the shoulders of the person we elect to that office.
What about the DA, Clerk of Court, Commissioners, Judges? They are important too?? Every office is important I have decided.
So, what changed my attitude? Did I simply get older and wiser? No. That would not be a truthful answer. A couple of years ago I was the victim of a non-violent crime. I can’t say that it did any real damage other than compromise my sense of security. But for whatever reason I started paying a lot more attention to who was occupying what office and just how good a job were they doing.
I’m glad I finally wised up and I hope that each person out there will make the same decision I did. Be an informed voter when you go to the polls this year. After all it is a responsibility as well as a privilege
(2006) Editor’s Note: This article was written by a CGG reader who has started paying attention. Cleveland County needs more Emily’s going to the ballot box.
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2024 Editor’s Note: Now, it is time for the 2024 Election. Let’s add the CC Commissioner’s race as well as the CCS School Board race to our “Pay ATTENTION ZONE and double down on the scrutiny.
These are Robert A’s suggestions for office:
For Commissioner: You are recommended to vote for these three.
Robert A. Williams
- Linda Laine
- Carter York
For CCS School Board; You are recommended to vote for these five.
- Samantha Davis
- Matthew Canipe
- David Fisher
- Kenneth Ledford
- Jay Carpenter
