Letter to the Editor: Voices of the Citizens

Dear Editor:

Many times local government officials forget that “the people” voted them into office. When “the people” vote (with the best intention on their candidate of choice), they vote with the confidence that their candidate when elected will continue to represent them on a continual basis.

What traditionally happens is that elected local government officials secure positions and lose sight of those who placed trust in them during the election process. In short, “the peoples” voices are either not heard or city officials tend to only listen to a select number of voices. All voices should be heard.

With the upcoming May general election for City Council in Gun Barrel City, there will be several choices for the three open positions on City Council. The choice that the citizens make is critical to the long term growth potential of the city, but more importantly, the choice that is made should be representative of how “the people” want to be represented during the next two year term.

The open City Council seats cannot be won by candidates who have personal agendas to take the city off its course of growth and expansion. Part of the growth and expansion can be accomplished through collectively working with the EDC and avoiding the roadblocks set forth by those who insist on using their position and working their own personal agendas. The important part of growth comes from citizen interaction, citizen town hall meetings and listening for ideas worth investigating, bringing them to city council for approval and potential development.

It’s time again for “the people” to have a voice in the government and in the plans for continued growth and development of our city.

Your time to choose will come on May 9, 2015.

Steven Schiff
Gun Barrel City Resident

2 thoughts on “Letter to the Editor: Voices of the Citizens”

  1. Good letter Mr. Schiff. What “we the people” want or need, is usually two different things. As you are probably aware of, little towns like ours aren’t much different than D.C. or even Austin. One of the biggest reasons is just a few common flaws of the human race. Greed being one of the most vicious. Then there is the “party line” one must follow. I believe it was “Will Rogers” who correctly stated, A politicians first job is getting elected. His 2nd job is also getting elected. So who ever is getting people elected (speaking of donations) is the boss of who ever is getting elected.
    One thing I’ve noticed in many small republican led communities, is the lack of conservatism. Seems most republicans now days are just republicans. And not conservative. At least not the Barry Goldwater types. Instead, what we have is a watered down version of Ronald Reagan, who only spoke conservatively. But acted like the current progressives. (His debt increases & amnesty proves that).. The days of old time conservatism, I’m afraid to say is gone. And only the talking points remain.
    I’m not a libertarian because of this. The republican party left me and my type of conservatism behind. When the Tea Party started to gain some attention (in 2007), it wasn’t long before they were infiltrated by the republican party and all their money. (in 2008 & 2009)..

  2. Thanks for your comment – but I seem to get lost in your point.

    My point is simple – the voting public needs their voice to be heard in local government.

    We need elected city officials to understand clearly what the expectations from the people are and then create and develop programs accordingly (if they have merit and have met the requirements set forth by the given city charter).

    There is no place in any city government for personal agendas to interfere with the representation of the people and/or the growth of the city. The election is just that … an election by the people and for the people.

    May is a critical time for local elections. Let’s make each vote count.

    Thank you.

    Steven Schiff

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