Accountability In GovernmentWritten by Arleen M. Kaptur
The government is biggest employer in world. They hire and maintain more employees than any other organization in history. The question is whether elected officials (who are really employees of every person in their jurisdiction, voted into office to represent concerns of voter) and employees of government are accountable to same standards and common practices that all other workers are. This is food for thought. When you contact any government office, are you prepared to receive an autorespond answer thanking you for your time and input but then never hear from them again? Do you picture that wastebasket file drawer just under e-mail printer ready to accept any and all messages? Is this something you can take with you to polling place when important time comes to pick and choose those that you want to represent you and what you would like to see nation, your state, or your local government achieve? Most emphatically, yes. If any government official (elected or just hired) does not offer common courtesy of an answer to questions and concerns, then there is always someone in wing who is also capable and would appreciate general public enough to offer them this small token of value. Too busy-too many requests? In this type of position, it comes with territory. It is part of job-description, and no voter should ever be given a pat-automatic response that everyone knows leads to nowhere but to that inevitable file drawer just beneath computer printer. Accountability seems to grow less and less in those who become too comfortable in their positions and feel that they are unbeatable and in permanent employment. As there is no work security in private sector, may those in public office also remember that there is no job security in government either.
| | Make Your Vote CountWritten by Arleen M.Kaptur
Election time in United States is fast approaching. Choices need to be made and votes cast. In scheme of things - there are winners and losers. In cold, hard factual world, voters are not always victors - candidates are not always best for job. How do voters make a truly educated choice or do most get swayed by "popularity" or what their neighbor of favorite group feel is best way to go? By now, there is an influx of information that could leave a paper trail to distant planets and back - so many words - chosen carefully but not always relaying truth. So what is a conscientious voter suppose to do when faced with advertisements and commercials aimed at changing your mind if you are not with their program or choice of candidate? Look at person - not his/her personal appearance or outward demeanor but real person. Do they have a record of accomplishing what they set out to do, are their motives directed at improvements for their constituents and not for their own personal profit and are they sincere, trustworthy, and, more importantly, accessible? Do they respond to voters inquiries when camera crews and newspaper reporters are not around, and do they reply or at least acknowledge requests, questions, and concerns, no matter how trivial or inconsequential? Our government leaders have tight schedules and busy to-do lists - but are their voters' concerns, needs and problems on that list? Do they voice opinions and concerns of people or of commitments made to lobbyists whose bankrolls made everyday workers' payrolls look anemic?
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