The election brought candidates together. There was a sense of common purpose.
A single issue made that happen.The law suit launched against three citizens by the Mayor of the Municipality with their own tax dollars being used against them.
There was a powerful vigor early in the campaign.News of the law suit galvanized voters and candidates alike to action.
Fairness isn't a complicated formula that needs explanation. Injustice creates a gut revulsion. It is not an intellectual exercise.
The day of reckoning came with the excitement of success,and the feeling that to-gether, we made a difference.
It doesn't mean agreement on all things at all times. Or issues we have to deal with, will not engender passion. It means we have a common purpose. With fresh energy, ideas and determination, we will apply ourselves to the tasks.
A circle of citizens have gathered to engage in the excitement and expecting to be part of it from hereon. A way will have to be found.
It seemed the social media would have an impact on our politics. I thought it would be reflected in a greater turn-out at the polls. It didn't.
As the weeks passed, other changes are apparent. Council's Inaugural was celebrated and shared. Spontaneous applause and standing ovations greeted introductions in the Council Chamber. The Town Clerk, with thirty five years of experience commented he had never seen anything like it and the new Council should feel very good about it.
We have had two meetings. Both were well attended by residents.
When we made the decision to cut off public funding for the former Mayor's law suit, the audience applauded vigorously.
The social media may not have brought out more people to vote, but it certainly created an awareness the business of the Town really is OUR business.
It's real. It's human. It's high drama.
It matters.
"It doesn't mean agreement on all things at all times. Or issues we have to deal with, will not engender passion. It means we have a common purpose".
ReplyDeleteEvelyn after so many years in municipal politics and the depth of your knowledge in the operation of a municipality we can only hope that your colleges are consulting with you on a regular basis , Not to do so would constitute a gross waste of knowledge and resources. I can assure you that your constituents are watching things closely and with great expectations for efficiency and reform in the Towns affairs ,
Your role has never been more important at any time in the history of Town Politics. Lets hope your input is absorbed an acted upon