[StBernard] Local Elections

[Westley Annis]

Craig, having studied national, state and foreign governments, in is IMHO
that many good-willing candidates get beat out of the job because their
self-expressions and outward appearances during elections are not-to-par
with seasoned, polished "professional politicians" who have a gift for gab
enough to sell the toughest of Brookly Bridges and insurance to the
handicapped. 

Getting really "decent people" could be an oxymoron or antithesis to
politics to start. However, so many are in deep concern for their
neighborhoods, communities and townships. Getting elected is the key.
Another hindrance to getting the nod by the voters to represent them/lead
them is a lack of experience in running government, etc. and so the seasoned
politician has the heavy advantage by an aggressive/proactive personality
that having as an advantage, could be a shoe-in to politics. Now whether the
office tender's "agenda" is to make the significant difference in life,
community, etc, or for political gain or monetary one, is yet to be
determined by the voters. That may come later as the voters "weigh-in" the
politican for his/her achievements (minus any setbacks (ineptness), office
corruptness, or failures.

In many cases, a good, decent man/woman can become corrupt at any point in
the tenure. It makes one a skeptic wondering how one is so "dedicated" at
$600 a month, but that's the chosen job that was accepted at time of
election. Do the job, or the voters will "try" another, and another, etc.
until they become satisfied enough from sincerity, outward appearances and a
"good job done". No aim at any specific politician but LA politics is a
bedfellow to mystery and lots of investigations...<G>

That's the point, because accepting it or not--is whether one is in denial
or whatever. 

-jer-

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To ALL,
 
Not withstanding the issue that there are many incidence of elected
officials performing at less than admirable standards at all levels of
government- it is no wonder to me why more "GOOD" people do not run for
office-- just stop for a minute and consider how the impression of a person
who decides to run for office immediately changes and becomes the target of
anyone with a glancing bit of information to take public aim at the person
regardless of the factual content and irregardless of the personal damage it
does to family, friends, or others associated with the person.
 
It is not hard to understand the cycle-  politics in St. Bernard has been
described as a bloodsport- it isn't far from accurate.
 
Craig