THE RESULTS OF APATHY IN VOTERS

The news stations are covered with the Government shutdown. How our National Parks are closed and no one can vacation in them. I'm actually appalled there is NO mention of the families being affected by this decision. Families who are already stretched to their limits and now being forced to dip even further (if they have any left) into their savings and retirement (if they have it)!

People are screaming about the wasteful spending in Washington DC. I'm actually stunned we don't hold local elected leaders to the same criteria. What affects you quicker than decisions at a National level (Washington DC)? - Decisions at the local level (your City).

Why are we not watching our local elected leaders with the same microscope we're watching our national leaders? Why are we not as upset with our local leaders for out of control spending like we are our national leaders? Why are we more upset with our national Leaders spending money on themselves than we are our local leaders? Why are we more upset with our National Leaders ensuring their Pension and Health Benefits are funded for their retirement than we are with our Local, part-time, elected leaders setting themselves up for a fully vested Pension and Health Benefits Programs at the time of their taking office while our employees are not given the same opportunity?

"We The People" have literally handed our checkbook over to those we've elected to write checks as they need and wonder why we're in the shape we're in. Locally, you can change the epidemic of out-of-control spending that affects you immediately with your vote on Nov. 5.

I will refuse to accept the Pension and Health Benefits for part-time elected officials. I will push for a stringent Travel & Expense (T&E) policy with a per diem for food, lodging, transportation, and no funding for spouse travel, mandatory receipts for reconciliation, and posting of those expenses for each elected official on the website (no more having to make an open records request for them).