January 11, 2024
In any city or town there are often a few families that own a proportionately large amount of property. Some of these families hold fast to the belief that they have been entrusted with resources that should be managed carefully for the flourishing of society and therefore refuse special treatment. Other families might find themselves on the positive end of municipal decisions related to zoning, rezoning, grants, tax incentives and business opportunities.
Various members of such families have known nothing but these sorts of advantages, and might assume everyone is treated with high esteem. Others on the outside looking in might presume their voices don’t matter and that they’ll never be valued or treated fairly. For these folks, the thought might be deeply ingrained that the system is rigged against them and their neighbors. They could come to the conclusion, however, that electing a majority of representatives who are committed to fairness, transparency, and accountability would bring much-needed governmental improvement.
From whatever perspective we find ourselves, it is important to remember that there are elected officials who entered the political arena with good intentions and who maintain humility and integrity while responding to all residents thoughtfully. Other politicians conclude that, for the sake of the municipality, they should give advantages to those whose good taste and deep pockets will help fulfill the vision of the place. Usually, they do this quietly, without openly acknowledging the lack of a level playing field regarding public resources. Of course, some politicians only seem to care about what elevates themselves.
So, can you fight City Hall? If you try, remember that there will be those whose main concern is maintaining a positive image for the municipality. If your research unearths questionable actions or spending, they will want those things to remain in the dark. For them, appearances are paramount. They want to attract people by highlighting the good and ignoring the bad. Politicians with this kind of thinking put on a happy face and swear to the grave that they are transparent, fair and ethical. They publicly tout their marvelous achievements, their unequalled care in safeguarding taxpayer money, and their willingness to be an open book. They will present numbers and statistics in ways that, the careful observer will recognize, leave out crucial details and facts. Many folks will be convinced by the constant P.R. campaign.
The only comment which looks close to self-examination will be something like, “I may not be perfect, but…” or “Our Board might not be perfect, but…” The truth is that they either lack honest self-reflection entirely, or hide it from the general population. Perhaps they fear that showing a crack in the veneer, or admitting they do not always perform their due diligence or vote in the best interest of the most residents, would open them up to a floodgate of criticism. So, they unflinchingly project a rosy outlook and reject any idea that they have made any mistake.
From the local level to the national level some politicians say: “Don’t believe what you experience on the roads or at the gas pump or in the grocery store. Your eyes and wallets deceive you. Be optimistic. Don’t believe the Office of the State Auditor, the Local Government Commission, or the court system because they don’t understand that we do things our way in order to achieve our stellar vision. Don’t harm the image of our town, city, state or country by exposing any negative reality. Don’t offend us, your leaders, by suggesting we ever propagate any disparity.”
If City Hall needs a reckoning, it likely will come through electing a majority of representatives who are wise, thoughtful and fair. People sworn to enhancing their own images and that of their community often talk a good game, but in the end, to them it is just a game. Vote for those who walk the walk instead of those who talk the talk.
celiastone 