With the political season ramping up with debates on the national level and candidate forums on the local level, we will soon be inundated with posturing, platforms, and promises. Some love this season and are passionate to support their candidates and views. Others have already grown weary of the process. For me, I just hate what it has come to now. The political process of electing officials in a representative democracy or republic such as we have in our nation and local government should be one that elicits interest from all and not turn so many off.
The division at both the national and local level is not what a representative form of government was intended to lead to on either level. Elected officials need to properly represent their constituents but also work together with other elected officials to effectively lead the entire populist under their direction. Officials are elected to lead all in their area of responsibility not just those that voted for them.
We now see platforms, power, and promises taking center stage rather than unifying leadership. On a national level, we see so much focus on which of the two main parties will have control of the White House and/or Congress. We hear terms like “Elections have consequences” and “To the victor go the spoils.” Voters come away from elections with their identities tied to winning or losing the election. Political agendas appear more important than uniting and leading a nation.
On a local level, we often see similar alliances with no consideration of uniting a parish, serving the entire population, or working together as a jury. When elected officials conduct themselves in this manner, progress is limited, problems don’t get resolved, and programs get bogged down in unproductive discussions. Personal agendas appear more important than uniting and leading a local government.
While we may have different views on how to approach various issues, we must find common core items to unite us both at the national level as well as on a local basis. We need elected officials to be true leaders and unite people rather than divide people. We need leaders that represent everyone and are willing to work with others and find common ground. There are times when compromise is necessary, times when deferring to another is best, and times when holding firm is needed. The key is to understand the times!
As you evaluate candidates at all levels, go beyond just thinking who you like the best. Consider who will be the most effective in leading. Consider who will be the most influential in unifying a divided group. Consider who will be the most impactful in improving the lives of those represented.