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I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. The Election is almost over. No more attack ads, no more positions being taken out of context, no more misrepresentations about elected officials’ voting records and no more “hey, can I come on your show and talk about…” Now while at the beginning of the campaign season, I had to admit it was a lot of fun. Now, like relatives who have overstayed their welcome, it’s time for them to go away.
If I had a magic wand, I would ban all campaign advertising a week before the Election. There is really nothing of substance at this point anyway. Just more attack ads, misleading quotes and general clutter. If someone hasn’t made up their mind by now, there’s nothing you can really do for them. So the ads serve no real point except to throw out last minute charges and annoy the voters.
But since the ads aren’t going away, and neither will the politicians, might I make a little suggestion. When a candidate or their supporter comes to your door this weekend, ask them a question. Ask them, “what’s your candidate’s position on the Emerson utility legislative proposal?” Of course there’s no such thing, but watch what they say and have fun. Hey, if the politicians are going to bug us, the least we can do is return the favor.
See you on Monday.
November 3rd, 2006 at 9:16 am
I had a mayoral candidate show up on my doorstep once in a small town and he drew a blank as soon as I started asking him questions.
“What’s your plan to bring in more business?” Blank.
“What do you suggest we do to make our downtown attractive like nearby towns?” Blank.
“How do you plan to keep schooling costs and property taxes down without impacting performance?” Blank.
After less than I minute, I thanked him for stopping by, and he asked me for my vote. He got a blank stare and he got the message.
I don’t go for candidtes who smile, hand out literature, and spew out the expected rhetoric. I expect folks who know the important issues and who have a solution - or at least a semblance of a plan - to get things done. “I’m gonna fix it”, “I’m better than the other”, I can get things done”, and “We’re gonna bring the kind of government that the people demand” doesn’t mean jack to me.
Tell me the plan. If I don’t like it, I’ll weigh it against the other candidate. If you don’t have a plan, don’t waste my time.
And I think I’m speaking on behalf of a lot of voters out there. So for all you candidates who are wondering where you stand, look back at your plan. Do you have one and did you communicate clearly and effectively? Those who did should see results. Those who stuck to the rhetoric might consider making a plan right now. Update your resume.
November 3rd, 2006 at 12:48 pm
Or certain incumbents that just say “well I tried but it’s not my fault it’s the opposition’s fault”.
Convenient excuse for someone to lounge around and collect that fat check and bring back little to nothing to the constituents.
November 4th, 2006 at 4:08 pm
amen brother!
November 6th, 2006 at 1:50 pm
Election Board Info:
Marion County: 327-5100
Marion County GOP: 635-8881
Online: http://www.indygov.org/clerk
To report cases of election fraud and accessibility problems during the election:
1-866-IN-1-VOTE
1-866-461-8683