Elected Officials vs. the Electorate, who shall prevail?

During the political process we are periodically asked to choose candidates for various positions. During the campaign process most candidates state that their objective is to “serve”; or some state little or nothing. After the election though, this desire to “serve” can become cloudy; serve who, the residents or unstated entities? Naturally the electorate assumes that the candidates meant to serve them; but then we all know what can eventually happen by assuming things.

During public hearings, when it appears that the elected officials are presenting testimony that is contrary to what the residents would like; we are sometimes told that their position is for the greater good of all of the residents, and to just be accepting of what is being presented to them. Expert opinion is sometimes presented as incontrovertible; when later it is discovered to be only the opinion of the presenter, or was possibly based on the direction the presenter was suggested to take. It is obvious at times that the public opinion may greatly differ with what is presented.

We sometimes think of those who are elected as having greater knowledge; when in fact, many of the electorate who may choose not to serve in a public capacity, may be more expert in their fields than those representing us. One does not have to be an expert to know what kind of quality of life they want for their neighborhoods. Some residents are very eloquent in their testimony; while others are less eloquent but very passionate in their opinion, are either being heard?

As I prefaced this Blog, who shall prevail, the elected officials or the electorate? Choose wisely in November the next issue could be in your neighborhood.

Questions or comments can be addressed to raymondlopez2013@yahoo.com .