OPINIONS: Let officials know

We get so excited, so passionate at election time. Signs, banners, multiple conversations.

We get our person elected — and we forget them.

We talk at coffee shops, get-togethers of all types and we know all the answers. Problem is — we don’t tell those we elected.

So up pops someone who dominates mayor and council saying that our citizens are gun-toting racists who intimidate those who venture downtown. If you disagree, have you called the mayor or council to let them know?

My feeling is that these folks are not racists, but simply were protecting their town from out-of-state thugs. They even protected those who were here to legitimately protest.

Portland is an example of a possible alternative. Local officials should be getting hundreds of calls of support. We had no damage, no riots, no burning buildings and no further issues.

Our elected officials can only make decisions based on what they believe the constituents want. Typically, a few very noisy people or lobbyists get their way because our officials do not hear from the other side.

From local to national representatives, they need input. The silent majority often loses because they are silent. Complaining at coffee shops or to friends does no good; they cannot do anything.

If enough people voice opinions with elected officials, then they have information to make them confident in their decisions. Majority rules, but if the majority is silent, then they lose. Without information, the leaders are handicapped. Help them out. Calls of support are as important as calls of complaint.

LARRY STUDLEY

Harrison