This post speaks to the importance of public participation in our local governance.  Over the last 22 months, on quite a few occasions, we have seen that great results can be achieved when enough citizens publicly engage.  The Ebenezer rezoning was defeated because 1800 citizens signed a petition, 100s wrote letters to Council, and we achieved an overflow crowd at the rezoning hearing.  I love the above graphic because it clearly demonstrates the importance of public engagement.

Daily, I speak with many citizens about the elections and city politics more generally.  And much to my dismay, I find that many citizens are afraid—yes, afraid—to publicly participate in local politics.  How is this possible in America, where politics are relatively tame, we have a tradition of peaceful elections, and rule of law is so strong?  But then I remember the old saying that “all politics is local” (Tip O’Neill).  And the reality in Milton is that some long-time politicians have created a culture of intimidation in our fine community.  Citizens, and even some council members, are afraid of the consequences of “crossing” certain politicians.  Some candidates are finding they have many closet supporters that are reluctant to make even a small political gesture, such as planting a campaign sign on their front lawn.  Such is the climate in Milton.  Of course, this poisonous culture has recently worsened because of spewing invective and even rage from some elected officials.  And it is my belief that one objective of this bad behavior is to put people off from engaging in politics . . . make local politics so acrimonious that average citizens will disengage in disgust.  Then politics is left only to the crazies and Special Interests.  Average citizens are effectively disenfranchised.  Good governance recedes.

So my point is a simple one . . . there is strength in numbers.  No one needs to be especially courageous if enough of us engage in the political process.  Regardless of which candidate you support, get out and participate in this election.  Plant a sign in your yard.  Attend a meet-the-candidate event.  Sport a candidate magnet on your car.  Proudly wear a campaign t-shirt.  Endorse a candidate at their Facebook page.  If enough of us participate, the culture of fear will recede, and a tide of good governance will wash over our wonderful city.  But it will take small acts of political courage from all of us.

Tim Becker