A Suggestion for Local Candidates

Most candidates for local office make a point of soliciting their constituents’ input on issues of concern to their communities.

But how many actually pay attention to their constituents’ ideas and suggestions?  Most emails get a generic, pro forma response but no acknowledgment of the substance of the correspondence.

Phone calls go unreturned. Emails from out of district are blocked or completely ignored.

It’s a mistake.  Constituents often have good and creative ideas, based on their knowledge of their community’s needs and desires.  They have time to study issues and may actually be smarter and more worldly than their elected representatives.  They are not subject to the “group think” or political pressures that afflict politicians and their staffs.

In short, constituents are a valuable resource, and it’s a foolish candidate or official who doesn’t pay heed to their calls and correspondence.

Paying attention, taking suggestions seriously, and thoughtfully responding to constituents is good politics and policy.  

Is it harder and more time consuming?  Yes.  

But if you’re not up for it you have no business running for office.