Political Involvement

I love politics.

I know how divisive things can be at times, but I love the engagement people find as they look to different politicians for guidance, for inspiration, and for leadership. It's always amazing to me to see how people rise to the occasion.

Issues vary by region and by the various and sundry issues involved. But I find it consistently impressive how people come alive to discuss the various qualities of one candidate when compared with another. There's often too much mud slinging, and that's unfortunate. I guess there's a price to be paid when you attempt to run for office - you get put under a very high-powered microscope.

I've also heard people disparage ALL of those running for office. This is disappointing to me, because we live in a representative democracy, where we are governed (at least ostensibly) by our peers. It's not perfect, and there are things that I would change if I could, but I think that it works really well, for the most part. I think that the reason it's not perfect is because people are imperfect, themselves, and therefore subject to all kinds of frailties and problems. But overall, I think it's going pretty well.

One of the biggest complaints I've heard is just that - no one hears their complaints! Well, speaking from experience in Mont Belvieu as well as in other communities - local government is where it's at. If you want to get involved, to make a real, lasting difference, and want to shape the way things go in your world, then think local. I've seen Council decisions hinge on whether or not someone spoke up for an issue - either in favor or not. Even one voice can make a difference!

So let that voice be yours.

I was at a meeting last night trying to present a point to the County Commissioners. There were questions that I was able to answer, and I did (always do!) my best to represent the people who would be directly affected by the action proposed. But what really helped was to have a couple of ladies from the neighborhood show up and speak in favor of the action. While I am a professional, and while I may have been able to give persuasive and informative presentations in the past, having the assistance of these ladies was invaluable. It gave the Commissioners a real reference to the problem, demonstrating that what I was asserting was true. And positive action was taken.

Find out what's going on in our community! Do you like what you see? Want to see more of it? Want to change it? Come on out! It's easier than you think, and very, very rewarding!