Editorial/Op
Politicians or Public Servants – Putting Central First
By |
“THE Election” is on most everyone’s mind this week. Mine too. I live in Central in an average neighborhood in an average home. I am not elected or appointed to any official Committee or Board of the City. I do, because of my involvement with Central Speaks, attend almost every City Council, School Board and other important Public Meetings.
Some people claim that elected officials at the state and national level will forever be Politicians and that Public Servants are unelectable. I’m not here to argue that. I am here to say that I believe the City of Central can still elect Public Servants. In the past, some who disagree with my view of things have accused me of seeing Central as “Mayberry”. Given the choice of Mayberry or Detroit, I choose to live in Mayberry.
As an “average” citizen of Central who routinely observes our elected officials in action, I see Politics…and I see Public Service…and I believe there is huge difference between the two. Every elected official says they are a Public Servant, so how do you know the difference? As Emerson is credited with saying, “What you do speaks so loudly, that I cannot hear what you say.” Following are this “average” citizen’s Top Ten Differences between Politicians and a Public Servants.
Politicians promote legislation to ensure their re-election in 2014. Public Servants support legislation that will be good for Central in 2040.
Politicians care who gets credit for introducing legislation. Public Servants only care whether the legislation is good for Central.
Politicians come armed to argue legislation with whatever evidence they can find to support their preferred outcome. Public Servants research the issue well and come prepared to make decisions based on impartial application of the law.
Politicians make decisions based on what persons or groups of political influence will support. Public Servants make decisions based solely on the Law and what puts Central First.
Politicians, when they lose an election, begin posturing for their next run for public office and spend the next four years campaigning. Public Servants congratulate the duly elected official and spend the next four years putting Central First by working with and through Central’s elected government.
Politicians show up at high profile public events and are offended if they are not recognized. Public Servants show up at the seemingly unimportant events and never seek recognition.
Politicians seek appointment to committees and groups that can influence their future election. Public Servants seek involvement where they have a personal conviction to help.
Politicians appoint people to committees who will support their agendas. Public Servants appoint people to committees who will make impartial decisions that put Central First.
Politicians cater to the agendas of political committees and organizations to ensure re-election. Public Servants cater to the needs and interests of the citizens of Central, regardless of their political influence, putting Central First.
Politicians believe that average citizens do not understand the issues and do not see the politicking at work. Public Servants are in touch with the average citizens and know that we DO understand, and we DO see who puts Central First.
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