The decision to run for political office is hardly a serendipitous one left to whimsy, but when candidates throw their hats into the ring without clear cut plans to address the matters at hand, it leaves something to be desired for those planning to hit the polls come November.
True, we haven’t yet entered the Dog Days of Summer, but the political season is approaching and Republicans, Democrats and Independence Party leaders are starting to step up to the podium and soon to your doorsteps. The question left to be answered will be, “What is your plan?”
Right now, that question isn’t as easy to answer as one would assume. More common than not, potential voters will hear of the subjects each candidate wishes to address, without hearing a plan of attack. Yes, there is the effort to keep taxes low. No one builds a successful platform by promising to increase taxes. There’s the want to cut extravagant spending. There’s a fine line between extravagance and necessity, who determines the difference really is a matter of perspective. And, in Bethlehem, there’s the additional focus placed upon the police department. That, in itself, may be the line – where the internal logistics of the police force has been quantified in terms of dollars and cents as of late, and therefore a subject of debate as to whether extravagant spending is afoot. The strength behind that body that serves and protects the town, however, is certainly a necessity.
This November may gear up to be the most interesting one in recent past. Each party started posturing months ago. However, voters need to start hearing less about the matters at hand and more about the solutions each candidate has to address those matters. What is your plan?
As August approaches, local candidates best be able to enlighten voters with their plans to resolve issues. At this stage of the game, perhaps it’s a matter of holding their cards close to the vest until the weather gets colder. But, the strength of a person’s candidacy should be judged by aptitude and strong plans, and not the color tie they wear. Finger pointing and depending on the faith of the party line is not going to win this election come November. Nor should it ever.
We look forward to learning more about each candidate’s plan of attack.
