(The latest in a series of columns on local government from the Republican newspaper.)
In many years as an elected official, I frequently talked to groups of students. I usually explained my role by asking if their parents ever complained about the idiots who were raising their taxes. Then I’d introduce myself as one of those idiots, before explaining the importance of having the right people in place to protect the taxpayers’ interests.
Crabby people (and boy, there are a lot of them these days) love to lob criticisms and accusations at those idiots. They assume every elected official is a career politician whose sole focus is lining their own pockets. But those idiots are really something else. They’re the crabby folks’ neighbors. They’re the business owner down the street or that woman who sings in the church choir. They’re ordinary people who were willing (or crazy enough) to take on important community responsibilities, usually for far less per hour of work than they’d earn at the fast-food joint down the street.
State law says somebody has to oversee local schools. Someone has to make decisions about drainage. Someone has to decide whether to spend money on another police officer or use it to fill potholes. What these ordinary citizens do is rarely exciting or even interesting. In fact, most will tell you it’s usually excruciatingly dull. Ever sit through a plan commission meeting or a zoning appeal? I’m always looking for a fast-forward button.
Know what else those idiots are doing? Protecting you and your interests. When you elect them, you’re asking them to be your legal representative on a host of decisions. That doesn’t mean they work solely for you or even agree with you, but they have to make decisions in the best interests of their constituents and their communities.
Haven’t talked with them? It’s well worth your effort and time. Share your thoughts and concerns. Ask questions. Inquire about their reasoning behind a specific decision. Most I’ve known are happy to tell you. Most will thank you for your interest and the conversation. After all, if they don’t know what you think, they can’t represent you effectively.