Seize the Opportunity

I read an article in Politico about a new danger in politics: participation. With the amount of interest in the Presidential election, and the amount of new/renewed voters that flocked to the campaigns, it seems strange that this could be perceived as a negative.

Last year, we saw how specific groups were energized: African-Americans were excited over Obama, women were excited over Clinton, and younger voters seemed to finally step-up and participate at a rate greater than they have in the past. This is great news! The more that people are part of the process, and can find their voice (and someone that represents them), the more they become invested in the decisions that affect them - - how is this a bad thing?

The problem with participating and wanting your voice heard, according to Politico, is that sometimes the media will latch onto a story and turn everyday citizens into a major figure. Remember Joe the plumber? This guy was caught on tape questioning Obama, and before you know it, not only is he (and his life) the focus of the media, but he became part of the political process.

Despite the drawbacks (people looking into his life, the government investigating his taxes, etc.), he at least stood up for something that he believed in and made sure his voice was heard. It is disheartening to me that we do not see individuals in Findlay stepping up in a similar fashion.

The filing deadline for the primary election was this past Thursday, and the only race that will have a contested election this May will be for municipal court judge. Every city council seat is up for election, and there will be no contested races until November. Why is this?!?

It seems to me that there are always letters to the editor complaining about something that the city administration are doing. There have been a few editorials that question certain actions. There is no shortage of comments on bulletin boards and blogs; comments that offer a variety of opinion, complaints and solutions regarding the issues our city faces.

Where is the new blood, the next generation of leaders, ready to stand up and make a difference? It seems that for every seat where someone is not seeking re-election, there is a former official ready to step in. Instead of looking to the past for representation, where are the people with the new and exciting ideas?

You may think I am picking on local Republicans, and you may be correct. That is only because the local Democrats can only seem to get one or two people to run in a given year. It would seem to me that the local Dems would be energized by Obama's election and try to get someone to run for every office this year. Even though Findlay is historically Republican, and the likelihood of a Democratic candidate winning may be minute, you can't win if you do not suit up.

Political partisanship is a good thing. Democrats and Republicans, running against each other, sharing their views, presenting their ideas, providing the community with a genuine debate of the issues and moderating a discussion of the way we should set sail...these are all good things and should be encouraged.

It is common for individuals to complain that government fails them and is not looking out for their interests. When the community does not stand up and vote them out...or even worse, no individuals come forward and offer to run against an incumbent...then who is failing who? It goes both ways.

The next deadline coming up is the day before the May primary. This is when independents need to have their petitions turned in to the board of election; if they want to be on the ballot in November, they need to get their paperwork turned in. If you're not sure how to start, contact the local board or the Ohio Secretary of State.

I hope that some of you have the courage of your convictions, and are willing to have your voices heard. If nothing else, a spirited and public airing of issues and solutions is important, not only for the spirit of democracy, but for the future of our wonderful community. Seize the opportunity to make a difference.

-RSKnopfJr

Comments

[L.kay]

Politics of this nation have been dramatically amplified since the start of the last presidential election. It seems as if everyone is finally fed up with the economy, war, lobbyist groups, and every other happening in the government, and they really want a change in America to set us on the right foot again. However, I agree that most of those people whining for a change and grumbling about the current system are also the first to fold at the opportunity to be proactive. I think this is the scenario not only in politics, but everyday life as well. There are always people complaining, but the only ones worth listening to are the ones who step out of their comfort zone and act on their opinions. So, if people are not going to run for office, then they should stop griping. Instead, they should just try to support the brave people who run for office and who care enough about the country to initiate change.

[burns_girl]

In the recent election, interest was unusually high, seen especially by citizens too young to vote. Although there are plenty of people who could take action in the government, many people who would take a stand in government are still underage. I think in the next twenty years we will see an increase in activity in politics as younger generations enter adulthood.

[WistfulWriter]

How many people are able to look at themselves and say, "Man, I think I could be a politican!"? After all, politicans have been stereotyped into caniving, greedy people out only for their own good (and a kickback wouldn't hurt). This is a terrible stereotype, but how many people really want to step up and risk becoming something like that? How many people want to have the pressure of other people's well-being on their hands?
I think that the reason why no one is standing up for election is because they are afraid. They're so deeply afraid of failure because they know that, no matter what, you can't please everybody.

[lauren10]

Considering this was my first election that I was able to vote for, even though I am 21, I had never really paid attention to earlier elections. Coming from a republican family, I was only brought up to be a republican because I did not know any better. To this day I still am confused on certain issues and who am I to say who should run this country. I try really hard to read about Obama and his issues and what he wants to change but I just do not see how he can do everything he says he will.

[Dink22]

Ok, anyone who wants to use that Joe The Plumber guy as their mascot or whatever he was shoulda loss. Why would you want a man who didn't pay taxes to be your symbol? That's just bad news bears.

[C.J.]

There will be promises that will be broken. I believe a Presidents success is based on how many promises he'll full-fill and how many he'll brake. I think this nation is on its way back though

[Ashley]

I try not to get too involved with politcs just because I find it really confusing. I personally don't understand anything that comes out of their mouths because it turns around to be a lie. I don't like liars! Is there really anyone we can trust?