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  "Hi, I'm your veteran county councilman and I need your vote" A Column by the Editor web posted April 28, 2008 COLUMN – I have to wonder what it must be like to run as an incumbent in this year’s hotly contested county council races. “Hi, I’m (insert any sitting councilman’s name) and I need your vote.” I wondered how a taxpayer might respond and I believe any informed citizen would engage in the following exchange. Voter: “You want my vote?” County Council member: “Yes, I need you to re-elect me to continue working hard for our district.” Voter: “But didn’t you vote to try to zone the entire county and not tell anyone?” County Council member: “Well, yes, but that was a mistake and we voted to drop that because it was wrong.” Voter: “You mean ya’ll dropped it after you got caught.” County Council member: “Well, yes, but we have kept taxes low and that is important.” Voter: “Didn’t you vote to increase the property assessments and millage rates at the same time. Our taxes went up 150% and my neighbor’s went up 300%. How did you lower taxes?” County Council member: “Did I mention my involvement on county recreation? We’ve worked hard to bring recreation to all of the county kids. I’ve always supported that.” Voter: “Hasn’t the county spent over $3 million on that so far?” County Council member: “I’m not sure of the figures, but it’s for the kids! I love kids… do you have a baby I can kiss for you?” Voter: “But the recreation department only serves a couple hundred families and many of those involved say it is riddled with problems. Where does all that money go and who oversees it?” County Council member: “Not to change the subject, but you know economic development is very important and I have always funded trying to bring new industry to our county.” Voter: “Yeah, I hear we spend about $50,000 a year on that year after year. What do we get for all that money? I don’t see any new jobs.” County Council member: “Umm, I’ve worked hard at getting roads in our district paved. That is an important issue for all of us.” Voter: “Aren’t the roads paved by a point system and handled by the Transportation Committee, not the county council? What we need are real changes.” County Council member: “You’re right, I need your support so I can go back to work to bring about the changes we need. That’s why I need your vote.” Voter: “What have you changed in your many years on the county council?” County Council member: “Well, nothing yet, but I am only one vote so I have to go along to get along to try to get something done. You don’t want to make any waves, it’s political, you wouldn’t understand.” Voter: “Oh, I understand. I think I will vote for a real change this year.” County Council member: “Great, I knew I could count on your support!” ©
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