All Politics Are Local

This has been a difficult week to come up with something to write about. If it isn't Beer Bug ™ hysteria or the Curly, Larry, and Moe election (go ask your parents or grandparents kids), there is really nothing that will grab headlines. However, I think that this week, if you heed my words, we will all be a bit better off.

If you are new to politics, you can probably name the president, maybe the vice president, and possibly a few key members of Congress. However, while the federal government has a role in the laws and regulations that affect your day to day life, the government that really impacts you is local. Police, fire, public works, schools...all are controlled and funded by local government.

Do you know who is in control of your city/town government? How about the school board? Do you know your county supervisor? Take an interest in what is going on locally. Many municipalities broadcast their evening meetings. They are always (rare closed sessions not withstanding) open to the public. Take the time to go down and listen. I have attended meetings in several local municipalities in my area and I have yet to find a mayor/village president/common council member who has not been approachable either before or after the meeting. In my discussions with them, I have learned that they want that direct interaction. They want to know what is important to their residents. Yes, there are votes to be earned, but they all have a sense of civic pride too. They want to make their cities a better place to live and work. We can disagree about how to do it, but discussing it with those who make the decisions and finding common ground is favorable to all.

Two and four years ago, I ran for a seat on the Milwaukee County Board. As part of my campaign work, I attended or watched the meetings of the municipalities that made up parts of the district I was running for. Over the campaigns, I developed a bit of a professional relationship with Mayor Devine of West Allis. While we may have significantly different ideas on government, he truly wants to make his city a better place and throw off the stereotypes of the past. He wants a better West Allis for all his residents and visitors and I respect that.

It is important to keep an eye on the federal government, but if you really want to change things, get to know your local representatives. Open that dialogue with your mayor. Email your state representatives. Talk to the school board members. Give them your input. Let them know you care and you vote. You might just like it.