by: Kody Kinsley
In high school, I was presented with an argument on whether our government, and the elected officials that run it, serve a role of representation or trusteeship. Ever the moderate, even today I find myself claiming a combination of the two as the correct answer. However, I think we can lean one way or the other depending on the issue at hand. This leaning is empowered by the concept of "majority rule with respect to minority rights." In times where minority rights are threatened, we need our elected officials to act as trustees instead of representatives of public opinion to protect the rights of all (guided by the Constitution of course).
Recently, at the Transylvania County Commissioners meeting on February 23rd, 2009, the public witnessed the break-down of American Politics. The Commissioners voted to support a NC Defense of Marriage Amendment to the State Constitution 4 to 1, with only Mike Hawkins, a prudent republican, voting against the resolution. What makes this happening a travesty is the fact that the public present at the meeting cried out against this resolution and save a few comments from Comm. Jason Chappell, none of the commissioners in favor of the resolution chose to support their opinions/votes. It appears that regardless of the publics' wishes the commissioners were going to vote in complete silence. These commissioners were voting as trustees, allowing their personal opinions to guide them, and completely ignoring the public who gave many reasons why this legislation should not be supported. It appears that the commissioners have lost all sense of accountability, conducting the majority of their work behind closed doors - and simply casting their silent votes in the light of day.
Hence, we start this online web log, simply called a "blog" for short. While of course this issue happens to be important to me, the goal of this blog is not to focus solely on any issue, but instead act as a "watch dog" to keep the public informed about what their commissioners, city councilman, or appointment officials are doing in office. Now - let me be clear - this blog should not replace going to local meetings, public hearings/forums, or the like, but we hope it to be a guide for those seeking prudent progressivism in our local government.
We also hope this will become a group effort, so if you have the time, please comment and perhaps even volunteer a few posts. It is time that "... of the people, by the people, and for the people..." meant something to us every day, not just when we select our representatives.
