leighyork

Most of us don’t pay much attention to the details of daily politics in our city, state or nation.  It seems that the smartest people in the community are busy working and spending time with their family and not getting involved.  Certainly those who are involved are not the smartest we have to offer.

Ever get frustrated with your city about the condition of the streets and find out they spent the money on something nice but not necessary?  What about trying to accomplish anything within a state bureaucracy?  Then, there’s healthcare.

I’m not saying that it is imperative that you join a bunch of committees, go to every meeting and run for office.  I’m saying that it is our responsibility to pay attention to what’s going on around us.  Simply paying taxes isn’t at all what our founding fathers envisioned for us.  They had a beautiful vision that we’ve managed to screw up.  How?  Because we don’t participate and we’re governed by those who do. Because we either don’t vote or we vote blindly.

So, what does this rant have to do with where you live?  I’ll tell you.

The number one concern for the majority of homebuyers is the local school system.  So, how do we get better schools?  Well, first we need more money.  Right?  Isn’t that always the answer?  Okay, I’ll buy in to that.  So, how do we get more money?  Broaden the tax base.  How do we do that?  Build and sell higher end homes. (ie: property tax values are a direct relation to most school district income throughout the nation)

To afford more expensive homes people need to make more money.  Absolutely.  What makes companies choose to place their managers and administration in your area?  Bingo!  Now we’re back where we started.  Politics. Why would people want to spend their money in your city or state?  What are your leaders doing to create job growth and opportunity for its citizens?  Ooops.  I’m back to politics.

Maybe there are a bunch of nice people in your community and it’s simply a great place to live?  What makes the nice people stay?  Why is it so great?  Did a ‘vote’ happen along the way that made that happen or kept something not so good from happening to it?  ….and we’re back to Politics.  Again.

Pay attention. Vote. Quit complaining and engage in your community, state and country.  We all need you!