The Importance of Local Issues

 

                I recently had the good fortune of talking to a fellow Bloomingtonian about bike trails out in the residential areas of Bloomington.  While I could definitely write a post about how bike trails should stay in line with the flow of traffic or how we should look to see if our roads are too narrow for them, having a chance to talk to her made me think about the broader scope of local issues.  After all, the important thing to remember about local issues is that they don’t get enough attention despite the fact that they are usually the most important.

            Most issues that directly affect the average voter are in fact often local issues because they are the ones people have to deal with in their day to day lives.  Yes, issues such as the Russo-Ukraine war are important, and issues like gas prices are impactful despite city government not having as much influence over them, but in the end it is issues the city and locality address where the most difference can be made.  Usually it is the locality, be it county, city, or town, that is responsible for addressing policing, development, zoning, local art projects like the BEAD, hiking trails, and a whole host of other issues that often rarely get the attention they deserve.  These are the ones voters are most likely to see when they drive to work, go on walks throughout town, or picking up groceries.

            When I was at SPEA (now the IU O’Neil school), I met with a Texas city government employee who said that the greatest thing about working in local government is that you actually get to see the impact your work has on the local community.  That is definitely true and extremely important to remember.  Similarly, when I was interning in Larry Bucshon’s office, he often had me go to meetings specifically about the opioid epidemic, which was a huge problem for the southern Indiana region, but it never got any attention.  Any person running for city government must appreciate the importance of local issues or they will not be able to address the needs of their constituents .

            It is for that reason that I promise to always give my constituents an ear, and be a voice for them in city hall.  It is important to have the right person in office who can address the issues that voters care about.  To those reading this, it would be an honor to have your support and I promise to make you proud.