To Much Apathy Among Voters

Elsinore Magazine 2

May 22, 2005 Concerns are on the rise of whether or not councilpersons shall be elected by creating a Charter City by the District or by General City as a whole. EM2 believes while having a Charter City elected council by District may have an edge on election by the city as a whole, the strength of the vote is the same. A majority vote. Citizens who elect by District do have a better communication contact with their District official opposed to all councilpersons. But it really does not make much difference either way as for as the citizens maintaining control of their government. The bigger problem is voter apathy, lack of concern among citizens to investigate and find out what their government is doing and how their tax dollars are being spent. When things happen that directly effect their way of life or pocket book here they come in big numbers and rightfully so. The problem is we should not wait until a problem exist before making a move to receive benefit in the security of our way of life. Action should be taken ahead of time. There is way to much voter apathy and sitting on the fence among the citizens. Not just in this city but everywhere. Believe it or not many elected officials rest to easy under the lack of citizens interest in a city. This is when out of control spending of Public Funds takes place. No one is paying attention! The elected official does not have to do much to retain his or her seat and they have an, easy in, the next election. They are constantly showing you the rosy and glossy color picture up front, while corruption or anything else is slowly creeping in like jeepers creepers. The cats away the mouse is at play because not enough see, not enough care.

Be a doer and a carer about what is going on in your city. The elected official who really cares, which are to few and far between, need your strong support up front. Not, just behind the scenes!!! EM2 urges and supports citizens to form committes in your neighborhood, to have various committee members attend meetings, in an effort to understand what is really going on with the running of your government and to review Public Records.Any citizens from any where have the right to access any and all Public Records. Find out what your rights are.. (1) There are the Ralph M. Brown Act. (2) The Public Records Act. under The State of California Government Code. (3) The Freedom of Information Act. (4) Now, The State of California Constitution Prop 59. Effective January 2005. Stand up be seen be heard. These kinds of committies could be formed throughout the city. Stop sitting back while 20 citizens do the work for all citizens to benefit. All citizens 18 and older are responsible to oversee how your tax monies are spent and how the spending is beneficial to your needs. There are 35,000 who live in this city. An idea would be to incorporate these committies when doing your neighborhood watch. Lets contribute and make it easier for all. If we do not do anything, then we are all part of the problems that befall us. Put up or shut up! Other words no work, then no right to complain. Everyone's strong concerns and comments makes a difference, when used in a good way.