What Inspires You?

I’ve been wondering for a while now how to inspire people. It seems to me too often, people feel left out and marginalized, they feel their voice isn’t heard, their needs going unmet. Why is this? How did we come to create a society that seems to ignore a huge block of its population? As I’ve been campaigning these last few months, I have been talking to many voters. I’ve spent hours at events, introducing myself to voters. Many of them ask me to explain my position on several important issues, and after I explain my thoughts, I always ask, but what do you think? Some people seem shocked that I would even care. Others are eager to share their thoughts with me.

It is such a simple question, and one that has started many really fascinating conversations. I’ve heard many good ideas, some concerns, and lots of praise. A few people had some big complaints, and I hope I was able to respond in a way to offer some positive encouragement. During every conversation I tried to make it clear, I am one voice, but together we are strong.

People seem to have forgotten that “We the People” are the government. They represent us, they don’t rule us. And if we disagree, and we make our point logically and respectfully we get to try to change things. And if they don’t listen, and enough people disagree, we have elections.

So this week, we have an election on Tuesday November 5th. This is not a big sexy election. Not a mid-term or Presidential so voter turnout is expected to be quite low. By my estimates (based upon the last municipal in 2009) we may see as few as 3,000 come out in my voting area. But on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being a high level of impact on your life, local elections are a 20.

School Board, Council, Judges, some County positions, Sheriffs and a few Governors will be elected, these are important positions. And we need to inspire people to come out and vote. I say it often, democracy is a participatory system. It works best with more people involved. And here is the thing, the more you are involved, the more your voice will be heard. I’ve heard so often that this person wants to change this or that, but when I ask that person if they attend Council meetings or school board, the answer is often no. I’d like to change that and bring more people to the table.

So I hope you will come out and vote on Tuesday, November 5th. We need every person to research the candidates, and ask them questions. Candidates need to discuss why they are running and what they hope to accomplish.  Don’t be afraid to ask tough questions. And don’t be shocked if we don’t have every answer. I was asked for my opinion on our district “no cut” policy. I honestly do not have one. But I have started to research the issue to see what I can find out. And I would love to hear from more voters on this issue, what do you think? Are you involved with sports at our schools? If so, feel free to drop me a note.

Because really, it is your opinion that counts, that is why we have elections. Which direction do you think we need to be heading in? What is important to you? If I am elected, what do you want me to focus on?

You can tell me your thoughts here, or feel free to write me an email, lisa@consultcts.com or reach out on Facebook at my campaign page, Lisa Longo for School Board. I am always available to discuss your thoughts and concerns and have met with many voters for coffee and a chat. So please reach out, if elected, it is your voice I want to represent.