What I am about to say will probably upset and even anger many Shawnee residents.
We have local elections coming up. If past history is any indication, 85-90% of Shawnee residents will sit on their butts and find a variety of excuses for not voting. Yet when the Presidential election comes around there will be an extremely high voter turn out.
Well folks, apparently the highly educated citizens of Shawnee fell asleep in their civics classes. It is local government that has the MOST effect on your daily lives. From property taxes to street repairs. From sales taxes to fire & police protection. I could go on and on and on.
The various excuses will be heard: “I don’t have time”, “My vote doesn’t count”, “I didn’t know”, “I forgot”. Then, when something bothers them they will bitch and complain. But, they won’t do anything to get involved in the beginning. They won’t study the candidates. They won’t follow what the council does. They’ll just wait. Usually until it’s too late to do anything. But ask these same folks who they support for President and they’ll bend your ear.
Last I heard employers are required to provide time for folks to vote. Last I heard there are provisions for in person and mail early voting. There is NO reason not to vote. Just apathy. And that is not valid. Also, if you support what your local elected official is doing, then you also need to vote to keep that person around. “How did so-and-so not get reelected? They were doing a good job.” Well, did you vote for their reelection? No!!! There’s the answer.
We have a pretty good process in place in this country. Use it, or quit bitching about what does or does not happen locally.
