Fred Warchol: Local elections hugely important, demand real answers
The battle raging between the two major presidential candidates will result in one of them sitting in the Oval Office, and nobody doubts, we will feel the impact from the battered winner. But a more direct effect on our lives is closer to home. That’s when you choose your local leaders at the city and county level.
For example, soon Atwater children will be off to school. You may notice that, once again, the school street markings are faded and difficult to see. This is a hazard to our children on a daily basis. Yet, instead of getting a can of paint and addressing a safety hazard, city leaders “cry poor mouth” and grant $10,000 pay raises to senior staff. I call that incompetent leadership!
Citizens can do something about it: vote for candidates who do more than feed you pablum, such as, “I work well with others” or “I will address the needs of our police and fire, yada, yada.” Hold candidates’ feet to the fire. Just acknowledging an issue is not good enough. Demand details. Be a smart voter!
Fred Warchol, Atwater
This story was originally published August 15, 2016 at 12:14 PM with the headline "Fred Warchol: Local elections hugely important, demand real answers."