There are many different reasons why people run for political office; not all of them are good. Admittedly they are not all bad either.
Some people like being in the spotlight, some like whatever authority the position brings with it, some want the salary, others want to hand out appointments that they are allowed to….and some want the “perks” that come with the office. To some just to be able to tell you just where you must park your car is a rush of adrendiln that causes the blood to race to their groin.
Some people have a true calling to serve others, to make the place they live a better place for everyone…..however that number is small.
We have an election this November that hopefully will bring some long needed change. We all know familiarity breeds contempt, especially in political office. I think most would agree that two terms in any office is enough to get done what you set out to do. If you cannot achieve it by then, let someone else give it a try. Fresh blood and faces are not only healthy but essential to good government.
To settle into a position for a quarter of a century is unthinkable; especially when there are no visible signs of achievement to point to that could offer even a modicum of evidence that the time was well spent..nada, zip, zero. There will be no farm building named after our longest running Supervisor, Mr Urdahl at the Fairgrounds, unless it be the hog confinement that signifies gluttony. These are not cradle to grave jobs, these are positions that are meant to show leadership qualities. There is little chance of any of that happening here. Urdahl has sat in that chair since the government offered land grants to clear and settle the frontier.
I urge you all to vote; use the “two term” rule if you are undecided, with exceptions of course. To re-elect Bookmeyer would be suicidal.
Peter Children
There ate at least three on the city council who should never be re-elected; Solberg,Turquiat and of course Hickey. These people are an embarressment to this city.
The county board should be wipped clean, we need new people in those position, hopefully someone will step up, anyone but what we have now.
Good article Peter-I totally agree with you on this subject. It has long been a pet peeve of mine to see these career politicians re-elected time after time. They end up spending at least 30% of their time campaining and the rest cuddling up to their cronies.
You can see that in several sitting on the council plus the mayor. Mostly crybabies who want the spotlight and the perks. A couple want higher office. Pathetic.
We already have term limits. They are called elections. Don’t like someone, vote them out!
Throw the bum out!
Eight years is more than enoug for anyone, twenty-four is unforgiving. I too agree with the points made by Mr. Children. The question is why didn’t others run to oppose Jay?
Why is it thatthe messenger always get shot? Children is only telling the truth, which is hard to swallow, but once you get it down you will feel better.
Peter’s comments make alot of sense. Look at the President for example–two term limit.
Than look at Congress-ridiculous!
We do not need it in our local politics either.
Two terms–prove yourself– and get out for some more fresh thoughts!!!
I agree, A quarter of a century for Urdahl is way to much!!
Term limits, how about rant limits? To some, just being able to see their name on NIT is a rush of adrenalin that causes the blood to race to their groin. Two raging dribbles per year per person should do the trick.
With that statement Bob should get ahead !!!