Vote early and often

Six years ago I was elected to the kindly office of Neighborhood Councilman—a two-year, non-partisan commitment where I learned the following:

• There were no zoning laws restricting farm animals in urban areas. (I’ll see your barking dog and raise you a chicken coop).
• Evidently vegans don’t like the “nausea-inducing” smells of BBQ.
• Oddly enough, people who buy homes adjacent to the airport will still complain about jet noise—and expect immediate action.
• And yes, every neighborhood has a crazy person that will attend every public meeting decrying whoever is president.

But I also learned that everyday people like you and me can make a difference, such as:

• The woman whose simple suggestion turned a vacant field into a well-loved neighborhood park.
• The parents who overrode covenants written during horse & buggy times, allowing much-needed crosswalks to be installed.
• The concerned citizens that prevented a casino/liquor store  from being built near a grade-school. (Wait, we lost that battle. At least the kids have a new place to spend their milk-money).

The point is, nothing good happens in a vacuum. If you don’t vote, you’re surrendering your will to those around you. So take ten minutes today and do the right thing.

And a special shout-out to my childhood friend, Max Mania (yes, his last name is Mania…long story). Max is running for re-election as a City Councilman in Port Angeles, Washington. VoteMania, baby!

Comments

[Eric Stallsworth]

Nice post, Jamie. I'm a firm believer in the idea that you can't gripe if you didn't vote!