Traditional media outlets have been disappointing in their candidate reporting.
As an example, Board of Supervisors candidate Steve Spradlin went unchallenged in his statement "80% of the the county's budget goes to schools" and how important it was to keep real estate property taxes down. This is an excellent goal, and one even more important to the owner of significant properties in Montgomery County. The monies going to the schools DO NOT equate to 80% of all county funds. Rather, this statement omits the fact that the majority of the county's budget comes from State and Federal tax dollars, many of which are dedicated to specific services (such as courts, education, social services) -- if not used for this specific service, the monies don't come to the county at all. This is a very misleading statement and it went unchallenged by the media.
Another example was about Dave Nutter's focus on economic development. How many "living wage" jobs have been created in our district since he's been in office? Do you want to try to live in Montgomery County on a food service or retail wage? In September 2006, Nutter indicated at a public meeting he had $50,000 to invest for economic development -- but there is no way to determine how he allocated these funds nor what benefits were received in return. On a personal level, Nutter used information as a weapon in two situations -- choosing to keep stakeholders out of the loop while pandering to minority or party interests over those of constituents.
A final example is the write-in candidate for the local school board, in itself a shame that people didn't take the initiative to get their names on the ballot. What does this say about commitment or planning? And the candidate comments demonstrate a lack of knowledge on school needs, funding or current operations and services.
Think global, act local is a great place to begin in engaging in a political arena -- start with what you are most familiar with, with what impacts you personally. Voting is democracy's most precious gift, yet it also brings responsibilities. The responsibility to speak candidly, not with rhetoric or half-truths, and not to pander to fears. The responsibility to seek information, asking questions and formulating your own opinion based on this research. Not voting -- whether it's because you don't feel informed or believe your vote cannot make a difference -- should not be an option for anyone who considers themselves a patriot.
Be engaged -- probe, listen and form an opinion -- and cast your vote. Then at least we can have a short respite from negative campaigns that tell us nothing about a candidate's position....before the next round.