Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Battle of the ballots


Choice. Isn't it better to have one than not? And, given a choice, isn't it preferable to make an informed one?

Scientific research indicates humans are happier when they have choices. What if, for instance, you no longer had a choice about which brand of shoe, fly rod or airline ticket to buy? Most of us would feel a loss of empowerment. Choice is how we tell businesses what we like. Governments, too. Choice is good. Informed choice, even better.

In a community where the "grocery store" factor plays an important role, running for office can be especially challenging. There's something about meeting peers, neighbors or constituents, face-to-face over a grocery cart, that creates an accountable moment. It's one thing to stand and deliver an opinion or message in a formal meeting but quite another to discuss it, toe-to-toe, over milk and potatoes.

With that in mind I applaud all those who step up to the political plate this season. I also throw the gauntlet down, encouraging additional players considering public office to give it a shot. Options add value to elections and encourage more thorough answers to important questions. Voters, in return, should thank those who are willing to put their "stuff" on the table, let the rest of us sort through it, dissect it, judge it and vote on it.

I encourage voters to learn about candidates and issues that are currently on the table. In challenging times like these, each and every ballot is of critical importance if the outcome is to appropriately reflect public will.

Talk to the candidates. Ask them hard questions. Explore where priorities meet. Use your political currency wisely. And, most importantly, show up to vote.

Kathleen L. Turner

Hailey




 Local Weather 
Search archives:


Copyright © 2024 Express Publishing Inc.   Terms of Use   Privacy Policy
All Rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Express Publishing Inc. is prohibited. 

The Idaho Mountain Express is distributed free to residents and guests throughout the Sun Valley, Idaho resort area community. Subscribers to the Idaho Mountain Express will read these stories and others in this week's issue.