COLUMN: Get involved and vote
Every day people complain about the way their city or nation is run. But many of those who complain never voted in the first place.
I have often sat in awe as I have listened to individuals spout off about the way their local government is being run. Many times they criticize the day-to-day choices made by the political leaders and then when asked about the actual issues, they themselves know only the basics of the topic.
I have always been a proponent of politics, and more on one about the ways people react to the whole political arena. I have been so disappointed by the way people fail to understand the issues present in the races and choose candidates for reasons that vary from, “they live in my neighborhood and I think they are nice,” to “they have never done anything to make me not want to elect them.” These are not valid reasons to make an election choice.
Tuesday is the local elections for Logan City. The candidates have spent the past few weeks trying to help the city understand their side of the political debate. Most Utah State University students won’t even vote, which is sad considering the impact this election can have on the entire university community.
In the mayoral race, there are more differences than the general public is often aware of. The incumbent candidate is looking to continue his work and help the city and university continue to grow. He has spoken many times of how he wants to see the university and the city combine forces to help make one whole community. He reads The Utah Statesman every week and has made himself available to students and staff so they could voice their concerns and be involved in the city offices.
The other candidate has made comments referring to the need to keep Logan and USU as two separate communities. Yet as the election has grown closer, made comments about wanting to help students by allowing them to voice concerns to her. I am sorry, but you cannot say one thing and mean another. Either you support the university and the more than 20,000 people it involves or you don’t.
Another problem I have with local and national politicians is the “pass-the-buck” attitude that prevails. Our second candidate has tried very hard to point out supposed financial problems as a result of our current mayor. The issues she touts are issues that are the direct result of poor planning during her own stint as mayor four years ago. Poor planning for growth and the need for the city to bring more jobs into the area. Poor planning on what the city needed in order to survive in a changing society which includes a great deal of population growth. Her stand is the need to cut back and stop growing. A city cannot do that. In four years, she would leave office and then blame the next mayor with the problems she put into motion with her shortsightedness.
Enough of my political ramblings. I have long felt it is important for citizens to be informed and involved. So we, the collective students and faculty of USU, need to be involved with the elections and make our voice heard. We must understand the implications of failing to vote. No matter which person an individual votes for, they still must vote so their voice can be heard.
Our country was founded to allow for the common man to be part of the decision making in government. Let us be part of the choices and make our own voices and wishes heard.