Conner Considers: How do we get where we need to be?

When I tell people I work in local politics, the usual response I get is: “Eewww! I HATE politics!” Which, I understand. However, what people overlook is that every time you have a discussion with your spouse about what movie to see, or talk to your 10 year old about what they are wearing to school – that is a form of politics. We really can’t avoid it.

Tip O’Neill, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, always said “All politics is local.” Unfortunately, I believe we’ve come to a time now that “All politics is personal.”

“Personal Politics” shouldn’t mean personal attacks on someone who doesn’t believe in the identical things you believe in. It’s become that way on a national level, but the beauty of local politics is that “Personal Politics” is what makes folks in your community run for an elected office such as mayor, county commissioner or volunteer for a parks board. They personally want to see things improve. They personally believe they can do something good for their community.

When you get tired of listening to the “Personal Politics” on the television or radio – take some time to look at your own “Personal Politics” – where is your interest? Where could you help? Some communities need volunteers in their Parks and Recreation programs. Some cities are too small to have a Parks and Recreation program – but maybe you could talk to the mayor or council members about what you could do to contribute to a park or recreation in your community.

Let’s get this “Personal Politics” focused where it can be put to work – in person, on a local level. We probably can’t improve the whole world, but we can certainly improve our own home.