How to motivate a politician?
When the élan of politician rhetoric at election time has faded and you're sitting next to your local politicians at church, pass them in the grocery or chat with them as neighbors, how do you motivate them to stay engaged when you've become unsure of their intentions or suspect their handshake and smile are merely patronization? At public meetings when you're no longer that neighbor or friend you thought you were, and politicians feel privileged to mock or ignore you because you ask questions, voice disappointment or demand change, what's your recourse? How do you suggest it's time to stop exploiting voter apathy for re-election where turnout at local elections are proportionately low instead of running meaningful campaigns that encourage more voting?
What's the recourse for elderly, retired voters on fixed incomes, Hispanic and other ethnicities growing exponentially though thankfully? How about working teens old enough to vote, single- or two-income earning households struggling to make ends meet for their families? How do you get politicians to do what they were elected in good faith to do with a modicum of humility, honesty and responsibly or move on without recrimination?
When Mundelein politicians stopped serving voters for outside or their own interests and practicing quality, fiscally responsible government, good government and sustainable economic performance ceased to function. Incumbents including the mayor who continue to run our town into oblivion are the only people so far coming forward to run! Given the condition of our town, how can we trust them to continue to lead us and spend our tax dollars? Is it really possible residents are content with their agenda of higher taxes, plunging home values, loss of sales tax revenues through rebates to developers, increased crime, poor and inept planning and development, mediocre education for our kids, and crumbling infrastructure?
The deadlines for anyone interested in bringing a new vision and voice to Mundelein as a candidate is Jan. 26. The necessary candidate packets are available at the Village Hall during regular business hours. Mundelein needs new choices, and a new direction in village government. If you can't run get involved! Attend village and commission meetings. Be heard! Your voice can make a difference! Let politicians know your futures depends on it.
Sarah Powers Mundelein