They say that the third time’s the charm, what do they say about the third post in a series? Check out my previous entries and let me know!
Now, let us continue our discussion on why voting matters…
Education might be the most high profile way our state and local government influence our community, but it’s far from the only way. At its core, the purpose of government is to provide the opportunity for the best community possible. (I did share that I am uncompromisingly non-cynical about government.) So our state and local government takes actions aimed at aiding the community in making itself the best it can be. Are they always successful? Of course not. That would be unrealistic to expect.
You, as a voter, equally have the power and responsibility to tell your elected officials if their efforts are working. If there is an area where they have failed, does it justify them losing their job? That’s what a vote can determine. It’s a heavy way of describing what voting really is- telling someone if you think they should keep their job. I told you your vote was significant.
Big Projects, Big Deal?
Here are two big projects that were made possible because of our state and local government:
• Silver Spring Civic Center – Jazz festivals, ice-skating, the amazing Fenton Street Market (@FentonStMarket), and community events galore help keep local Silver Springers entertained year-round. The Civic Center was completed slightly behind schedule and slightly over budget. Both of these feats aren’t as uncommon as you’d hope, but it’s worth mentioning.
• The Fillmore – Do you love music, comedy, and other live events? Well the county and state each kicked in half of the cost to bring this 2,000 person venue to downtown Silver Spring. Again the process from planning to ribbon cutting took about ten years, and cost about $3 million more than the original budget. But when you compare it to another publically funded construction project in Silver Spring, which shall remain nameless (until tomorrow), it’s almost nothing.
Look at how in just these two examples local and state government have dramatically shaped our community. Hundreds of other examples exist. So the question I ask now is, “what’s next?” …that’s actually a West Wing quote.
Full Disclosure: My hope is that the state and county build a West Wing museum and allow me to pretend I’m the President whenever I want.
Sincerely though, what’s next for you? How do you want our community to look next year? In the next five years? In 20? Wait, wait… stop. Don’t tell me. Tell those seeking to be elected or re-elected to public office. It’s their job to implement change (with your direction), it’s my job to ensure you understand that (and quote the West Wing).
I have a lot more examples I want to share, and a lot more West Wing quotes to recite. So check back tomorrow for the next post in the series. It may or may not include zombies!
Significant Thought the complete series:
Significant Thought – Part 1
Significant Thought – Part 2
Significant Thought – Part 3
Significant Thought – Part 4
Significant Thought – Part 5
Significant Thought – Part 6
Significant Thought – Part 7
Significant Thought – Part 8
