Pickerington Area Taxpayers Alliance

Don't worry, all you politicians reading this - I'm sure the column doesn't pertain to you, only to your opponents!


A reminder for the candidates
(by Rick Palsgrove, Southeast Editor - October 13, 2007)
(This column originally appeared in the fall of 2004 and, since we are in the midst of the local election campaign season, I thought it would be good to trot this old chestnut out again. - Editor)

This is an open letter to all the candidates running for elected office this fall.

Remember that, if and when you are elected, you will be a public servant, with an emphasis on the word ''servant.''

Know from the start that the people are the boss, not you. You must be available and accessible to the citizens at all times.

That means no hiding behind voice mail, no cowering behind public relations flacks, no turning off your cell phone, and no peeking out from the curtains and ignoring the knock at the door. It also means being at public meetings when you're supposed to be there.

When a citizen contacts you, be responsive. If a citizen, your boss, is upset, you are supposed to sit there and listen to them. Don't threaten them, ignore them, ridicule them, or flex bureaucratic muscle. Hear what the people are saying. Don't play politics with the people. Do the right thing.

Also, the public's money is not your money. It belongs to the people. It's your job to keep track of it, know how much is in the bank, and use it wisely for the good of the citizenry with their consent.

I once heard a government official at a public meeting tell a citizen (who was critical about how the government was spending tax money) that the funds weren't that citizen's money because, even though he lived in the community, he didn't pay income tax to that particular town since he didn't work there.

That official couldn't be more wrong.

If the money is in the public coffers it is indeed the people's money. All the people's. The government is the caretaker of it and collects it for the community for public use. It is the citizens' money.

Once in office, don't isolate yourself. Public servants should be visible and participate in the community. Not just in election years, but all the time. If elected, go out amongst the people, attend events, and walk down the street to talk with folks. Promote economics that keep the people's jobs secure, support the arts, advocate for academics, and root for athletics. Don't hide. You gave up the right to hide when you ran for government office.

Be aware. Exercise your brain. Read anything you can get your hands on - newspapers, magazines, books, letters from constituents - and don't just read writers who agree with your point of view. Read the writings of people who may disagree with you. By doing so it will challenge your perspective and make you think.

Stay in tune with the culture in all its forms. Don't be elitist. Don't question someone's patriotism simply because they don't agree with you.

Maintain your humanity and understand the pain that is out there.

Heed Abraham Lincoln's resonating words and hold them close - that the United States is a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

Remember this in all you do.

Rick Palsgrove is editor of the Southeast Messenger.


By SE Messenger column

Think before you make that call

You know these newspaper writers and editors always have this self righteous attitude on what their opinions are in dealing with the public.

When I go to the football game I want to see football. If I wanted to hear politicians talk their dribble I would have stayed home and watched FOX news. Most of the time when we see politicians ''participate'' in these activities they always like to steal the lime light from what is being sponsored. I think a few years ago we had a service to honor the military and their sacrifices to our country and the stage only had one military person there. The rest were local politicians. Frankly I was offended. If a Mayor or the leader of the community wants to present or M.C. the event then fine but once you turn it over to the speakers GET OFF THE STAGE.

I know this web site has been brutal on politicians for years. I also know that most that are critical of said politicians don't provide their name. Clearly a wasted effort on the poster's part. I do believe most that run and serve the community are hard working and responsible people. Many times we have citizens who take the Southeast Messenger seriously and call their representatives at all hours and are very disrespectful when they do contact the ''public servant.'' The point here is that I do not believe our public servants should be subject to harassment.

If the citizen has an issue then they should bring it to the attention of the elected official. That public official has an obligation to respond and at the very least explain why they voted the way they did or explain why they can't help the citizen. In a perfect world that same elected official can see the issue and agree with the citizen and help get what ever is needed to be changed to satisfy the citizens concerns.

Then there are those that like to complain and NEVER take their issues to the officials.

Now on the newspapers. In the local papers we see things appear that probably should not be there. Although slander against a political person is not slander and those that stand for election and those the endure the time away from their families for little or no pay do deserve some respect. I would say try and call a newspaper with criticism and see what their response will be.

I would say before you pick up the phone to complain about the schools to your local board member please look at what they get paid and how much time they spend doing their job on the board.