Letter to the Editor:
Well, another recall election is upon us, and I am again left to wonder if many voters are aware of or even care as to why they are being asked to vote to remove an elected official from office.
Many I am aware of could not tell you why the original petitioners feel the need for a recall or why those reasons may or may not be important and warrant that extreme action.
Instead of asking the hard questions, voters often insert their own justifications which could range from past grievances, feelings about the elected, peer pressure from friends and family or simply to help the recall initiators to further their own agendas. Many of these could have been resolved had the voters chosen to have a dialog with the elected while others show the glaring faults with the recall process that sometimes allows the elected to be recalled, not because of some egregious, unreconcilable actions but because they just may not be popular that month.
Don’t misunderstand my intentions, I am not trying to change anyone’s mind. One thing our community is not lacking in is strong opinions and sometimes even stronger convictions. I also understand that there are many that do follow the happenings of their government, have done their research and based off that decided to either agree or disagree with the petitioners and to that I say good you’ve done your homework and are making an informed decision, but understand you are also, in my opinion, the clear minority. To the others, I would encourage you to see this as an opportunity to be part of an informed and engaged community. Your vote carries just as much weight as anyone else's, and by taking the time to understand this and other recalls, you can help ensure that the process is being used as fairly and equitably as was intended.
James Metzker, Arlington
Reader Comments(0)