If only this was Mayberry

Most folks I know loved watching the Andy Griffith show.  The shows setting was in a rural southern town where everyone knew everyone, strangers were always welcome, and everyone got along for the good of the town.  The benevolent sheriff could always foster great communications and fix any disagreement amongst town folk.  Ahh, doesn't it sound nice?

Unfortunately, that doesn’t appear to be how things run locally.  We have elected leaders that only talk with people who agree with them and ignore those they disagree with or just don’t like.  There is no open communication between elected officials and the public, especially those claiming to support the same political platform.  Rather than engage in debate, they arrogantly ignore.  Public meetings are all for show while the real talk happens in private sessions.  The bulk of county legislation is decided behind closed doors, under the guise of confidentially.  Most residents and business owners go along to get along.  If you are brave enough to question leadership choices and direction, i.e., rock the boat, you are demonized and ignored.

As we head into another election cycle I urge all residents, busy as you might be, to pay attention to local issues not just the presidential race.  So much more happens locally and at the state level.  We are not picking prom kings and queens; we are electing people to run our government.  I love my best friend, known her most all my life, but I wouldn't turn over my finances to her.

Running for political office does not require any expertise, so it is incumbent upon “we the people” to ask and seek out information on those who purport to serve.  What qualifications do they bring to the table?  WHEN YOU VOTE YOU ARE GRANTING THOSE ELECTED THE OVERSIGHT OF YOUR JOINT FINANCES WITH YOUR FELLOW CITIZENS.  CHOOSE CAREFULLY!

PJ Gentry
Chair of Person County GOP