When sitting in a PTA meeting it becomes clear that
volunteers are needed to step forward to organize the next event. Instinctively
we cringe hoping not to be noticed and asked. An awkward moment or two later we
sigh because two people agreed to take on the task. Same with Boy Scouts,
church projects, Lions, Kiwanis or Chamber of Commerce. Each organization
relies solely on volunteers to make the good things happen.
Boards, commissions and task forces doing the public’s
business are similar. Unpaid positions, lots of meetings and work, but very
much voluntary, these entities succeed only if people step forward to do the
often thankless tasks.
In truth all volunteer work pays big dividends. First, the
work gets done that benefits all. Second, the work teaches those involved what
is involved and how the community works at its most basic levels. Third, it
feels good to do this work; we know we have done our part to support the well
being of the community. There is a fourth dividend: what needed to get done was
done for free or nearly so!
Learning how things get done is an important result of
volunteer work. The experience broadens understanding of community needs,
community resources and community resolve to address the needs. Along the way
the community builds self reliance and a stronger quality of life.
Constitutionally – both federal and state – our form of
government requires government entities to operate with broad public input and
involvement. Candidates for public office are needed. It helps if the
candidates are experienced and motivated to do the public’s work diligently,
honestly, and with a keen understanding of the issues.
Good people are needed to step forward and take on these
assignments. Some elected positions receive no compensation. Others do pay a
stipend or salary, usually modest with no benefits. Still other positions pay a
meaningful salary and accrue some benefits. Still many public offices are not
considered full time assignments. Office holders are able to continue their
careers and earn independent income while also holding down a public position.
As the offices rise to higher levels, compensation and
benefits grow. Some significantly so. But benefits include power and influence
that often turn heads and motivation to serve becomes clouded by personal
politics. Once entered the political motivations expand to fill many gaps in
which others with political power influence the newer public servants.
Cynics would say all public officeholders are politicians. I
do not agree. But politicians emerge and many levels of public service are
tainted by the negative aspects of political gamesmanship. Taken to an extreme not much gets done for
the public. Witness the gridlock in state legislatures throughout America . That
is certainly true in Illinois .
And Congressional gridlock is legendary. Political ends trump accomplishing the
public’s work. It is shameful.
Some will say the gridlock is good because it stops
expensive programs from being enacted. Others will say the battle of ideologies
is deeply important and gridlock protects excesses from either side from having
too much influence.
My problem with this is simple: large problems exist that
need to be addressed and the well being of the nation is held in the balance.
If this were a short term phenomenon, fine; it isn't. This stalemate has been
going on for many years. The nation’s infrastructure is crumbling, education
systems are hurting, gross government productivity is suffering, and the future
requires innovation and creativity to prosper.
While Rome
burned, Nero fiddled.
Is that what we want for our nation? If not, the solutions
are staring us in the face asking for caring people to step forward and take on
voluntary tasks, including running for public office. Consider doing this
yourself. Or encourage a good prospect to do so. Then help that person succeed
and carry some of the burden for him or her.
Some have stated that all politics is local. Much of that
statement is true; reaching farther it can be said all politics begins local
and supports the rest. It would work more smoothly if people volunteered more
willingly and the cynicism against all politicians were dampened. It would also
help if voters studied the issues and the candidates closely. Not all candidates are equal, but we will not
know that for ourselves unless we get involved and work at it.
The elections are next week. Please be an informed voter.
And vote! Yes, it is a Big Deal!
October 10, 2014
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