In virtually every political poll of current times, it has become impossible to beat an incumbent who has been there for more than one term unless the opponent has solid name recognition.
Several questions have been raised about new candidates who are attempting to run for city positions in the upcoming April 1 primary election and the June 3 general election. The main concern for these candidates is what they offer to their respective cities. In the research done, advantages come from being an incumbent with greater name recognition and this generally attracts votes that would not be gained by a challenger or running in an open seat race. Additionally, the financial status generally works towards the incumbent; not necessarily from their income but organizations that would provide them capital if they favored a position.
The founding fathers never intended for members of Congress, nor state legislatures, to use governmental positions to become wealthy and become long-lasting. Early members of Congress were paid $6 a day and they normally met during spring or fall rather than winter and hot summers.
The fourth President of the United States, James Madison, was famous for writing Federalist No. 10 in an open defense of the United States Constitution and being against political parties. Madison spoke negatively about partisanship, forming alliances, and working against public interest.
The first president, George Washington, was also against political parties, saying in his 1776 farewell address: “[political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterward the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion. “
The Mississippi Gulf Coast has a lot to offer the state — especially within each municipality — and should not be overlooked at the value of what each alderman, city council member, and mayor brings to the table. With Harrison County being the second largest county in the state and one of the highest revenue-producing counties, each candidate within should be measured by their ideas and policies and not political affiliations.
After hearing all of the sides, the common question is why I should run for public office. There should be only one reason anyone should ever run for office: THE LOVE OF THE COMMUNITY.
Every office is different and handles different scenarios, where local city council, supervisors, state legislators, judges, members of Congress, etc. each may face local budgets, state problems, and a few national issues.
Whether someone is successful or not, their community will always be there for them here along the Gulf Coast. The more attention paid to their community, the accomplishing of tasks generally follows.
Bottom line: Politics is not fair except at the ballot box. Money, corruption, and liars will always be a part of political races. Democracy is best decided in the booth.
Coalitions, unions, civic associations, and groups of residents were powerful because they made a difference at the polls in the past. Candidates who participate in this community service before and after elections usually have a keen ability to acknowledge the needs of citizens.
The reason America has always been the “land of the free, home of the brave” is that we make our decisions as a community together on the ballot rather than by the courtroom or political party committee.
The views expressed by contributors are their own and not the views of SuperTalk Mississippi Media.
