To the editor:
Ahhh…the change of the seasons; the flowers are blooming in my garden and greenery is sprouting up all along the bike trail. The smell of spring is in the air. And so is the smell of the upcoming primary, unfortunately.
If you haven’t received any political mailers yet, you will soon. Between the mudslinging and the promises, voters can be forgiven for throwing their hands up in frustration. But this is an important election - especially for Republicans - and I hope that voters can find at least a little care still within themselves to vote.
I will not tell you who to vote for but I will suggest that you dig below the flowery language or insults to determine if a candidate is the person who best serves your interests.
For example: The Chairman’s race in Madison County. Candidate #1 promises to “move forward.” I used to hear that phrase when my boyfriend cheated on me. It meant that he wanted a clean slate without accounting for what he’d done that hurt me. Candidate #1 also touts a property tax reform plan that sounds swell but requires state reforms. Now, I am no Mensa member but I don’t think a county official can enact state reforms. Candidate #1 also promises “economic recovery” but for whom? How is that even possible with the increased burdens of taxes and regulations on businesses? The only institutions that seem to flourish in Madison County are real estate development companies, the asbestos bar and government sector unions. Checking to see who your candidate’s donors are will provide clues as to whose interests are more likely to be served.
Flowery language he speaks, but it feels similar to getting a hollow chocolate bunny in your Easter basket - you end up disappointed because it looked like you were getting the whole deal. Candidate #1 is a likable fellow but I fear is a little like that bunny.
Candidate #2 promises to continue to stand up for the taxpayers and there is evidence that he has done exactly that. Standing up to the increased levies, backdoor referendums and the COVID mandates are just three pieces of that evidence. These are all policies that a county chairman can enact. He doesn’t have to lobby legislators.
Both Candidates #1 and #2 speak of integrity which is kind of a sticky subject as both men can be subject to scrutiny. Lawsuits cost the county money but so do low-quality operational practices, poor investment strategies and lack of proper procedures. When it comes to financial acumen, I’m going with the Wharton grad with the CPA.
Candidate #2 is not as affable as Candidate #1 and often seems to have difficulty getting along with his co-workers; however, it is up to the voter to decide if this quality is enough to sway their vote. Is it good for Madison County taxpayers to have a Chairman who goes along to get along or one who stands up to the board and holds them accountable when they need to be?
As a voter, though, I want to be sold on the merits of the candidates. I want to know their experience and what qualifies them for the job they seek. Personally, I am tired of the mudslinging and obfuscation. Convince me as to why you’re the better choice and do it without the insults.
A fatigued and overwhelmed voter will often fall into a kind of deep sleep and just vote for whomever their party tells them to. This is how the current system sustains itself.
I don’t want a candidate to throw cold water on me if I am sleeping. I want them to inspire me to get out of bed and vote for them.
Pamela Moody
Edwardsville