Gold: Get involved - not snowed - in election process

It seems to me…now is the time to get involved in the election process. With the primaries over, we know who the candidates are. So, now we must learn clearly what they stand for. November elections are about five months away leaving plenty of time to get to know what these candidates specifically will do if they are elected.

Surely, there will be plenty of campaign rhetoric and literature making its way to your mailbox, e-mail, radio or TV. But all this stuff is what the candidates want you to hear. It’s their advertisement like a soap or baked beans commercial. “I’m better than the other candidate.” is what they all say. The only way to determine the best candidates for you is to make a list of what you would like to see these candidates do and not do and then check it against what the candidates are telling you they will do or won’t do. You also need to ask yourself, “Can they do what they say or is it idle bragging so they can get elected?” If a candidate says he or she will raise teacher salaries, how will they do it? Will they raise taxes or will they get it out of another funding area? If you wait until they are elected, you may find Old Peter lost his wallet to Old Paul.

Once your list is done, you should call them on the telephone and ask questions. If they truly want your vote they should be willing to talk with you and answer your questions. Heck, they call you on the phone to tell you why they are so great, so why can’t you call them, especially during their dinner time, and take your election survey? That seems to be fair since sooner or later they will do it to you. Drop by their house to ask them questions face to face. In case they are not home leave a door hanger on their door knob asking them to call you. Learn their e-mail address and begin an ongoing dialogue.

Send them an e-mail survey and ask for detailed answers, not some sugar coated reply like, “I certainly stand for fiscal responsibility.” Specifically, what will they do to bring about fiscal responsibility? Will they be stripping the budget of something important to you?

Stay aware of unintended consequences that will result from their promises. It may sound good but what will it lead to?

If you just listen to the snowfall of campaign promises, you may get “snowed” by feel-good slogans and party rhetoric. You need to get involved, really involved, to get the kind of government you think is best for you and the community. If you don’t get involved, then you’ll have to live with what others want. And, by the way, mark your calendar for Nov. 3, Election Day, and vote.

Harvey Gold is a contributing writer for the Stafford County Sun. Reach him at info@staffordcountysun.com.