RECALL: Proposal is ‘absurd’

The Coeur d’Alene Press article on a former candidate states citizens are not being represented by those who were elected. Failing to win or vote for the elected candidate does not mean your voice is not being heard. Elected people pay attention to how many votes they received versus others, keeping track for future elections and citizen concerns.

If a candidate who doesn’t win, it does not mean he/she and all who voted for the candidate have no voice. An understanding of our Democracy should help.

Majority rule is 50% plus one. Races with three candidates 35% of the vote may win. 57% of the voters cast their ballots for other candidates in the referenced article. The conclusion cannot be no one is listening or the winner should say the majority was wrong and not assume office.

Recall of the winner claiming you are not being represented is absurd. Democracy requires accepting the decision of the majority. Raising awareness on what is needed by voicing our opinion, attending public meetings, and offering responsible solutions to problems is our duty.

Recall is an important method of removing an unqualified, corrupt or otherwise unfit person from public office. All too often the attempt to Recall is inappropriate. Using Recall to invalidate or overturn an election may equate to crying wolf.

When a Recall clearly is the only rational alternative to remove an unfit person, it may fall on deaf ears. We must choose our actions wisely to preserve our Republic.

PHIL WARD

Coeur d’Alene