With just under a month before the ballots arrive we all have a challenge as we sort through the candidates. More so this year than in previous election years, there is a need for voters to look through the polarizing partisan rhetoric and look to the candidate’s position and experience on the most significant issues. Here at the Journal we’ll be looking for evidence in each of the races for business acumen. We believe that strong business sense and best practices can only improve our local, state and national governments. Regardless of party affiliation we want to seat candidates who will bring the perspective and experience necessary to restore our economy to a sustainable position.
Those who run campaigns know the best offense is to put the opponent on the defensive by decrying his or her shortcomings and mistakes. And if that doesn’t create enough differentiation, then the direction is to find an issue on which both clearly disagree, regardless of whether the position to which they would be elected has any influence (remember the mayoral race of 2008 and tolling?), and pound home that difference.
What we have to demand as voters isn’t what candidates think of their opponents but rather what candidates will DO when elected to the jobs they are running for. As a business community, regardless of whether you consider yourself an “R” or a “D,” we can lead the way for other voters by demanding candidates declare what they will do once in office and then voting for those candidates willing to tell us. How else can we hold them accountable once they are in office?
We also see a need for statesmanship. The situation at every level of government is dire and the logjam created by the extreme partisanship of both parties needs to cease. Private-sector owners and managers know it takes problem solving where all are committed to the best outcome rather than the outcome dictated by a party platform plank. It is time to target the best outcome for the community, state and nation – not for one party to win over the other. Back in the day that was statesmanship. Today it seems any attempt at working for the good of the community gets one bounced from party membership. Enough!
A call for the young accomplished in our community
So, what do a financial planner, a sign maker, a port executive director, an assistant prosecuting attorney and a commercial realtor have in common? They are all previous recipients of the Accomplished and Under 40 recognition.
Annually since 2001, this community has recognized the brightest rising stars in Southwest Washington and this year we will again. Do you know someone who has been successful in his or her career and active in the community, and with the potential to be seen as a community leader in the coming years? These are the young people we want to recognize, show how much we appreciate their efforts and, as a community, celebrate their successes. To nominate the person you know, go to www.vbjusa.com, click on Events, then click on Accomplished & Under 40 Nomination.
