“With great power comes great responsibility.”
We all must keep this in mind as election season is upon us.
Our local elections are right around the corner, and these elections are more important than you may think. Voter turnout always soars during a presidential or gubernatorial election year, but I’m telling you here and now, it’s more important to vote in local elections than anything else.
These are the people who truly make a difference in our lives each and every day. If you want a leash law in Tallapoosa County, these are the people who will make that happen. If you think Enhance Elmore is a success, these are the people who are going to keep that momentum going.
Sure, who becomes president is important but the decisions made by your city and town councilors and your county commissioners are the ones that affect you every day. They’re the ones that could raise or lower your utility rates; they’re the ones who determine lodging taxes and other infrastructure premiums.
The president is never going to answer your phone call, but your city councilor should — and if they don’t, maybe that’s something you should consider at the polls.
This election cycle is nothing short of hectic; there are more than 150 candidates when you combine our three-county coverage area. Many of these candidates are running against someone, which means you’ll have a decision to make come Aug. 26.
Take the next few weeks to get to know who you’re voting for. Whether it be through articles in the newspaper or by picking up the phone and doing some research on your own, make sure you’ve given this decision some consideration.
And to all the candidates, I hope you know what you’re signing up for. This is a representation of the people of your community; these are your neighbors, friends, loved ones in many cases. If you’re running for clout or to make a little extra cash, I urge you to reconsider. These jobs are the most important of all.
Lizi Arbogast Gwin is the managing editor of Tallapoosa Publishers Inc. She can be reached at 434-962-9420 or via email at lizi.gwin@alexcityoutlook.com.
