The notion of creating a charter county was thoroughly defeated on Tuesday in Jefferson County. I’m sure that some people are asking themselves, “why?” It seems to come down to the basic ways that politics work. All movements need to create a base and convince the rest of us that the cause is just. The Charter county movement never seemed to move beyond their base. The issue to those of us not on the inside of the organization appeared to be rushed, and that we as county voters, were being asked to approve a major costly change to the status quo. That the county can barely afford to keep the parks open didn’t seem to concern those who wanted to have a bunch of people sit around for months at taxpayer expense (not them personally but the process would cost money) to debate changing county government, which only seemed broken to them. The advocates for it, did not take the time to build the argument that it was needed, apparently assuming that the justness of their cause would sway voters. Folks, it just doesn’t work that way. It seemed obvious to many people outside looking in, that the right wing saw this as an opportunity to take control, by ousting the politically naive libs who were promoting the Charter. Many thanks to the well oiled machine that ran the No campaign, led by Bruce Cowan, George Yount and Deborah Pedersen.
The one wild card tonight, is the thought that Matt Ready appears to be beating the incumbent and establishment candidate for Hospital Commissioner, Dr. Mark Mauney. This is important for reasons other than the environment. the Board has acted like our 25 bed hospital is the Ritz. Huge expeditures far beyond what is expected have been approved and public concern has been shrugged off. It is a bit too comfortable between the Board and the Hospital, and it needs new blood. It still is a bit too close to call, but would be quite an interesting story if it continues to pull towards Ready. Savannah Hensel had too big a mountain to climb to beat Jill Buhler. Savannah should take this in stride and come back again. Her dedication can count in future races.
As to GMO labeling, it’s losing. It’s unfortunate but the fact that we will not know what GMO foods we are eating is liable to be much less an issue that either side wanted it to be.
Thanks to all of you who came out to vote! This election, though a small one, had some very important items on the ballot, and it mattered that you cast yours.
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Filed under: Government |
