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Health & Fitness

Why I will become a Palmer-ForksPatch Blogger

The rationale for a local elected official to contribute to the online conversation

I have decided to be a regular blogger for the Palmer Forks Patch. At first, I thought it was important for local officials to share their ideas and positions on the various topics that are discusssed and voted on at our board meetings. 

Then I remembered a comment by the editor of a local newspaper. He believes most local officials want to fly below the radar screen and avoid the public spotlight.  I have always been intrigued by this comment. After several years in local politics, I finally understand his rationale.

You rarely know why a person votes for or against a particular motion.  This is true at township meetings, school board meetings, and at the county meetings. Since the press rarely follows up with the local officials on their voting records or the accuracy of his or her public statements, the public servant never has to withstand the scrutiny of the press.

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To avoid any chance of being in the spotlight, it is easier just to vote “yea or nay” and move on with the meeting. Since very few people actually attend board meetings, unless it is a pet project of a special interest group, you never have to explain the rationale for your votes.

So, here is my chance to practice some transparency.  I will write about my vote on issues of public concern and explain my rationale for any vote. I will try my best to base my decisions on facts and vote in the best interest of the 14,000 plus citizens of my community.

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Is this the best tactic to further my political career? Probably not! But, it will let me sleep better at night knowing I am serving my community to the best of my abilities. 

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