EDITORIAL: City, school elections offer us vivid chance to influence key decisions right here at home
As if we Central Texans didn’t have enough on our minds already with state and county political races galore, candidates have begun filing for city and school board races.
Yes, at times it seems the politicking never ends. But city and school board races in some ways offer citizens far greater influence over public affairs, and in ways that hit home and reflect on our daily lives, involving everything from garbage pickup to classroom instruction to Fido.
In that sense, we regard such elections as terrific, unequaled opportunities for citizen involvement.
For instance, council member Jim Bush has filed to run for mayor, vowing to follow many of the aims of Mayor Virginia DuPuy, who steps down because of term limits. This is a good time to probe his thoughts on everything from crafting pet ordinances to further reinvigorating downtown development, including the recently debated idea of a streetcar system.
The Rev. Wilbert Austin is seeking another term representing East Waco. This is the time for constituents to objectively judge progress in the district and how much Austin has had to do with it. Voters should demand hard specifics on his ideas for the future.
Randy Riggs, representing southwest Waco, is another council member seeking re-election. We notice he also serves as a director of the Texas Municipal League. Voters should seek out his thoughts on efforts by the league to water down fines for elected officials who violate the Texas Open Meetings Act. He’s also chairman of the Texas Metropolitan Planning Organization. He could probably use some of your own insights about highway and road funding.
Waco school board candidates should expect to be quizzed on discussions about expanding the school day and other novel ideas to improve education.
In short, city and school elections offer a vivid opportunity to interact with leaders in our community about things happening just down the street or several blocks away, if not in our homes. That’s reason enough for all residents to pay heed this spring.
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