VOTE: What to look for

Deciding for whom to vote is one of the most important and sacred civic duties we have as Americans, and that doesn’t apply solely to presidential candidates. It goes all the way down the ticket, to the local elections on the ballot. In fact, one could argue that a voter has more to consider in small time races closer to home, because it is there — more so than in any national presidential election — that a person’s connections to the local community and their values in relation to those of that community can and should be taken into account.

In the race for County Commissioner in Kootenai County, Idaho, the most important consideration, when deciding who’s going to get your vote, is whether your candidate thinks like an Idahoan. There are a number of factors you should take into account when evaluating this. First, and perhaps most importantly, if your candidate has moved in from somewhere else, do some research and ascertain if your candidate has fully assimilated into the local culture. Remember, assimilation is defined as the complete integration of one person into a dominant culture.

Other things to consider include a candidate’s belief in local Idaho values, such as respect for natural resources, high esteem placed upon a rural lifestyle and support for guided growth. Like any politician, they should also respect their constituents, listening to the opinions and thoughts of local people. As well, involvement in the community is a huge plus, such as sitting on local boards and engaging in other activities to serve the local public. Finally, they should be familiar with the language, lifestyle and landscape of the region; they should value these things and be willing to stand up to protect them.

There’s a case to be made that whomever you ultimately support, however, special consideration should be given to ensuring that it is a person with a new face — not a returning politician from previous years. Those who have had their time in the limelight may be frustrated with the fact they haven’t been able to keep themselves in it for as long as they would have liked. We don’t need public servants who are seeking office for their own fame and self-aggrandizement; we get enough of that from Washington. We need people who know Idaho, who love Idaho and who want to serve Idaho as a way of giving something back. In short, let’s elect those who want to do something — not just be something.

RAMONA GRISSOM

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