If democracy and freedom are two of the highest values American's cherish, why are many qualified adults not registered to vote?
Even more to the point, why do some registered voters not bother to go to the polls on election day?
Everyone seems to have a life that gets more complicated and hectic every day -- so much to juggle, whether it's time, finances, taking care of our homes, relationships or family, and often volunteering in our communities.
Thankfully, there are still many voters who strive to understand our government processes -- and then go vote. See update below about one March 19 withdrawal.
Even more thankfully, Christiansburg has more citizens willing to "throw their hat in the ring" and serve on Town Council than there are open seats.
No so in some other small towns in Southwest Virginia.
Local politics, and policies, have the ability to touch you -- way more so than from a national or state political perspective -- and so should garner the most attention. It's almost guaranteed a Christiansburg voter can get the ear of a local politician if they try. Not so much with state or national ones.
Since Christiansburg's council seats are nonpartisan, it requires candidates obtain the signatures of 125 registered town voters in order for their name to appear on the ballot. That's a lot of work right there. Write-in campaigns are another option.
Candidates on the ballot for the three town council seats in Christiansburg's May election include:
- D. Michael (Mike) Barber (incumbent)
- Samuel (Sam) M. Bishop
- Dan R. Canada (appointed to complete an unexpired council term)**
- B. O. (Bill) Chafin
- Steve H. Huppert (incumbent)
- Henry D. Showalter
- James (Jim) Vanhoozier
Town residents will have several opportunities to read about the candidates, and learn about their views or motivations for running for public office. (The three candidates who currently sit on council can also be observed during any regularly scheduled meeting.)
But what if you want to know more or have specific questions, or (gasp) don't take the paper? What if you'd like to meet them or see them in person?
Montgomery County's League of Women Voters traditionally hosts a candidates forum for all county and town elections. An April 10th date is scheduled for the League's Christiansburg candidates forum, to be held in council chamber's in Town Hall (Roanoke & East Main Streets) at 7 pm.
All candidates have also been invited to attend three other "meet and greet" sessions, scheduled for:
Saturday, April 5, 2008, Cambria Historic District, Christiansburg Depot from 12 pm to 4 pm.
Saturday, April 19, 2008, Cambria Historic District, Christiansburg Depot from 2 pm to 6 pm.
Sunday, April 27, 2008 at the Coffee Depot, Downtown Christiansburg, from noon until 2 pm.
For the April 5 and 19 dates, candidates will be asked to participate in a Q&A (question and answer) session, with each candidate provided an opportunity to respond. This will be followed by a more casual dialog where candidates can meet with individual citizens or groups. The April 27 date at the Coffee Depot will be casual dialog only.
Just as "beauty is in the eye of the beholder," what qualities a good public servant should offer is assessed or valued differently, voter by voter.
Public speaking skills, adaptability, budget experience or a grasp of the town's revenue sources and cost of services, leadership and/or team skills, or the ability to build a vision for the future -- many other qualities could be listed, as well.
What skills, knowledge, or abilities do you think residents of Chrisitiansburg should expect from their town council members?
Plan to attend one -- or all -- of these candidate forums, and decide for yourself. Meet these individuals and then define what experience you think is most needed in Christiansburg, and determine for yourself which candidates might be offering the right stuff.
** News reports indicate Mr. Canada withdrew from the race, after filing as a candidate.