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Next week, hearts and flowers will dominate as Valentine’s Day rolls around. Expressions of love, forgiveness and commitment abound for at least for this one day of the year. Although there are many challenges to these sentiments, especially in the political sector, this day can remind us that there are positive attributes to all walks of life – even politics. After all, people are at the center of most enterprises and, with all the faults and failings associated with humanity, comes the hope and aspirations for the best within us to emerge.
At the core of the political realm lies the concept of leadership. Although styles and methods may differ, the desire and ability to capture the imagination and express the intent of others lies at its core. One of the many challenges of leadership is how to harness such power with the pressures and vagaries of self and special interests. Local representation is subject to such dynamics, but limited in scope and therefore, less susceptible to the corruption that infiltrates larger spheres of influence. However, those who aspire to climb the election ladder, representing greater geographical areas and populations, should do so with the understanding that the ugly underbelly of exploitation is waiting in the wings.
It is fortunate that there are those who, despite the pressures of broad and diffuse representation are able to distinguish between personal and societal gain. Most politicians begin their careers at the local level with significant input from community peers. However, as representation duties increase in scope, some of this is inevitably lost. The challenge for our regional and national elected officials is maintaining a sense of connection and duty toward those served.
During this election cycle, several local representatives will vie for higher office. They will soon be consumed by the time and energy required for extensive (and expensive) campaigns. The dual role of fulfilling current obligations along with satisfying personal aspirations for another office can dilute and diminish effective present administrative duties. While these candidates can be commended for their goals, hopefully they will not lose sight of their current responsibilities.
Although difficult and faced with struggles of campaigns and fundraising, the obligations of office remain firmly rooted in personal ethics and community concerns. Unfortunately, some are swayed by the siren song of fame, fortune and isolation to the detriment of true leadership of constituents. Hopefully, local politicians who will soon be knocking on your door, filling your mailbox, texts and emails with pleas for money and votes will remember who they really are and who they represent.
As a reminder, this Valentine’s Day, send a valentine message to your local politician to remind him or her that at the heart of their goals for office is a promise to pay attention to their constituents and commitment to our safety and welfare.
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