On 9/14/2016 12:29 PM, jbeattie wrote:
> On Wednesday, September 14, 2016 at 8:16:44 AM UTC-7, Frank Krygowski wrote:
>> On 9/14/2016 8:47 AM, AMuzi wrote:
>>>
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-37360543
>>>
>>> I assume he's as inept and dishonest as most officials worldwide, but
>>> for one day on one issue I salute him.
>>
>> <sigh> I get tired of the claims that most (or all) officials (or
>> politicians) are inept and dishonest. I've known quite a few over the
>> years. I've worked on projects and committees with them. Yes,
>> occasionally there are jerks - guys who will lie and cheat for their own
>> good, guys who are just unreasonable and obstructive. But almost all
>> have gotten into politics because they love the community they live in
>> and want to help the community, not because they intend to use politics
>> to get rich. They've volunteered to do a difficult job, because they
>> realize someone has to do it.
>>
>> This doesn't mean I agree with all of them. But even in the most
>> intense disagreements, I understand that those on the other side have
>> been working for what _they_ think is best for the community.
> <snip>
>
> There is also a difference between politicians and public servants. I was over at the court house the other day, and one of the brand-new judges came over and gave me a hug -- a woman that I used to work with a million years ago. She is a stellar intellect and now earning probably a third of her previous income. She just wanted to be a judge. It's like getting Einstein to teach high school. I know lots like her -- really smart people who decided they wanted to do public service. She was appointed and will have to run again, but it will be an uncontested election as usual.
Well in my city, the city council is essentially a wholly owned
subsidiary of developers, the Chamber of Commerce, building contractors,
and the local Rotary Club chapter. Rotary is technically non-political,
and officially it doesn't back specific candidates or issues, but the
club is dominated by those with a political agenda. This ownership
extends to city officials in many cases.
I am running for city council and I haven't taken money from developers,
even though it's been offered. Another candidate initially seemed good
too, but then the developers threatened him. A developer sued me. My
hope is that all the developer-owned candidates split the pro-developer
vote, leaving me with enough sustainable growth votes to win. We'll see.
I am not getting my hopes up though.