We Have a New Set of Local Officials...

...Now lets see if it really matters. Our mayor and about half of our aldermen/alderwomen will be replaced when the new term starts. A common thread running through all of the campaigns this last election (like most campaign seasons), was what each particular politician promised to do if elected. The way I see it, that is half the problem.

Instead of promising the moon, I would like to hear what principles the candidates each stand for. I would like to hear what they believe is the proper role of the office they are seeking. I would like to hear what they promise NOT to do - what powers they will not abuse, what private issues they will not stick their noses into, what causes they will not champion, what taxes they will not raise and what individual freedoms they will not encroach upon.

These are the issues that will determine whether they will be self-serving politicians or true public servants. The problem with our local government (as with our state and federal governments) is activism. Instead of offering the core services that government is there for, our "public servants" seem to think it is their collective job to take our money from us and spend it on their pet projects - what THEY think is best for us or the things they want to take credit for accomplishing. They have a real hard time understanding that they are there to serve US instead of expecting us to be a cash source for their goals.

We can hope that the new, less entrenched office winners will turn things around and start putting our local government back in its place - but I'm not holding my breath waiting.