Hunter Bonner/Contributing writer
In our system of government, be it federal, state, or local, we elect people to office to represent our views and needs, and to form sound public policy. It is understood by the voters that those people who run for office are volunteering for responsibility and leadership.
Being an elected official, or an appointee by an elected official, means that they have a responsibility to consider everyone’s point of view, and not their own personal agenda. This extends to respecting the rule of law (not the law they make up in their own mind), as well as taking and answering questions from constituents. In a civil society, this is how things are supposed to work, and it is the way the Founders of this country envisioned our nation functioning.
Elected officials are accountable to us, the voters. So what happens when citizens ask poignant questions of elected officials, to better understand how processes work? Unfortunately, there are some locally that do not take well to such questions. When I say do not take well, I of course mean, they take it as a personal affront. This message is for them.
You took an oath of office for the position you are in. By taking office, you take on all the burdens that come with public service. When someone asks you a question about public policy being considered, whether it is in the past, present, or future, they deserve an answer. It is your job to provide an answer.
If you do not know the answer to the question, admit that you do not have an answer. Do not try to bowl the public over with an answer that is a non-answer. Even worse, ignoring the original question by referencing something else. We see right through that, and frankly, it’s insulting. For those officials that have the attitude that they are not to be questioned, let me once again remind you of this undeniable fact: We are the public whom you are accountable to.
Asking questions is not a personal attack against elected officials, but there are some that take it that way the majority of the time.
So when that happens, several things are to be considered. They don’t know the answer to the question, and are too prideful to admit it. They have a sense of grandeur that the title convinces them that they are exempt from such questions. Finally, they are afraid that proper questions about public policy, or the political process, may reveal that they are unqualified to hold said office/appointment.
That last sentence, more often than not, is typically the one that applies. This causes voter apathy and creates resentment by citizens. Why? The answer is they think, “Why bother?”, when elected officials treat them that way. What is painfully true, is that some local elected officials want it this way. Why? Less voter turnout, means they face less opposition, and ensures their re-election. Thus, the cycle continues.
Marion County voters are tired of “business as usual”. We need people in public office that are going to lead. If you are not going to lead, but instead continue to take citizens down the same road of inaction, lack of vision, and factional fighting that has existed for decades, while the city and county fall by the wayside, do us all a favor and step aside.
There are current, and future generations that want a different Jefferson/Marion County. A place with a more vibrant economy and industry, a quality of life that sees the population increase, and not decrease. To my fellow citizens, you can help facilitate that change, by showing up on election day, or, if you have a servant’s heart, run for office. Some of the best public servants are the most reluctant. If you do not think so, read up on George Washington.
This editorial is not all doom and gloom. We have some amazing people working in local government trying to make a difference.
These people are to be encouraged by the public, and thanked for the hard work they are doing. They are trying to move the city and county forward. If you have a concern about a matter of public policy, contact your Alderman, or County Commissioner, and discuss it with them in a civilized manner.
When we have civil and rational discussions, versus folding our arms because we simply do not like someone, much progress can be made.
Hunter Bonner is the President of the Marion County Republican Assembly, and a lifelong activist. He can be reached at hunterbonner@outlook.com. His views expressed here are his own.