I do believe it. I do believe it’s true.
You know the song, right? https://youtu.be/cDu7eitZrgw
But did you know that less than one-in-five registered City voters cast a ballot in our 2016 City Council election?
Actually, just 16% voted. That’s crazy. Especially when you consider how much impact our local elected leaders have on our daily lives.
The City government holds the reins in one way or another for the direction our lives might take, for the many things that impact our daily existence:
From traffic to pedestrian safety
From parking solutions to litter control
From the purity of our drinking water to the length of our commutes
From access to the Rappahannock River to access to our trails
From the look and feel and vibrancy of our downtown to our individual neighborhoods
Yes… the City government impacts your very neighborhood. Decisions made by the Mayor, City Council and School Board determine whether your children are getting the education and special attention they deserve, and even if the guy down the street has a permit to do the weird stuff he is doing.
Do you know your local leaders?
Do you know where they stand on issues important to you?
Have you had a chance to talk to them about those issues?
Local elected officials have a direct impact on our day-to-day lives, right at home.
What’s going to happen to our real estate taxes?
Where will we be parking?
Will we be paying for plastic bags at markets?
Will we have some green space to relax in, or a trail to walk along?
How safe it is to ride our bikes in town?
Bottom line: What will our City be like in the next ten or twenty years?
“it’s all happening at the zoo.”
You’ve likely heard again and again that voting local is just as important as voting for president.
It’s true.
Do you realize the awesome power that you – yes, YOU - have to make a difference in our community?
Statewide trends in our society, and even national developments, start out at the local level, almost without exception.
In these days of rapid growth, serious climate challenges, frustrating traffic issues, overcrowded schools, and an ALICE population of 62% , your City Council election just became even more important, more impactful on our daily lives.
On May 5th this year, our City will hold an election to choose who will represent YOU, your interests, your children’s future, and all of the things that you care about at the local level.
When you vote, you really CAN make a difference.
“I do believe it. I do believe it’s true.”
