In a telephone discussion the other day, no one wants to run for political office at the "grass routes" level anymore. I think that is where change is going to happen, if, in fact it does. In our area here in Ohio, it is the Township Trustee, and in the cities, Council, Mayors, County Commissioners, all generally, controlled by the most powerful of the two parties. In a lot of cases, whichever party is the most active and has the best leadership.
"Controversy creates candidates." When things go wrong, when corruption has raised its head, that, in my opinion is when people want to run, "to change things." Locally here, years ago, a school levy could not get passed in one school system. It was where we lived at the time. Many times it was on the ballot, and went down. One Fall, our local high school, in football, beat their arch rival, for the first time. In November, it passed. A football win swayed public opinion, as simple as that.
Government, in some ways, was not considered a profession. I was with an employment agency, way back when, and we never thought or sought, to get job openings from government, at any level. Now I consider them to be the best in all respects, nothing better than working for the government. When did all that happen? I know of a number of instances, locally where politics or government at any level, has enabled some to become sound financially, have continuing medical benefits, experience a retirement program that was available to them, and in some instances, retire, receive retirement benefits, and continue working in the job. You can't "double dip" that way with General Motors an company.
And what do you want to be little girl? "I want to be Clerk of Courts when I grow up."
And you, little boy, yes, you, the seven year old, what do you want to be. "Well, sir, I'm glad you asked that question. I'm not sure what educational steps I will take, but I want to enter politics, perhaps at the county or maybe even the city level, and then, as I mature, I hope to progress to the state level, and, if the doors of opportunity open for me, perhaps even at the national level. Either way, I want to serve my constituents as best I can, honor my party, and partake of all the many benefits afforded me. Thank you for asking."
"OMG!"
