Deltona Citizens Action Committee discusses upcoming elections
By: Nancy Schleicher Deltona, FL (February 6, 2010) -Edward Bulwer-Lytton once wrote: “the pen is mightier than the sword”, no truer words were ever said especially when it comes to campaign time. Whether it is local Deltona elections, neighboring Cities, Volusia County, or national elections the statement holds true to form.
Soon we will be inundated with campaign literature stating why we should choose one candidate over another. Literature and campaign advertising have for centuries given us our opportunity to be informed about the candidates qualifications and about their stance on issues.
Herein lies the problem that we, as voters need to address: How does one wade through the mounds of information to choose a good candidate? Is all the information true and factual? Can a candidate truly live up to all the promises?
These are the most important questions one needs to consider.
The bottom line is there is no easy way to choose a good candidate as what is good for one person may not be good for another. Each person has their own thoughts and opinions. It is when differing opinions are not accepted that campaigns get nasty. Just because you disagree does not mean you are any less concerned about issues but that you have different ideas on which issues are important or how they are addressed.
Are negative campaigns effective…yes. Are they beneficial to the public in general..no. Are they an indicator of who is a better candidate..no.
Good candidates should stick to discussing issues. If candidates wish to attack each other on the issues then all gloves are off and have at it! Family attacks or Personal attacks (other than voting records or stances on issues) have no business in a campaign.
Campaign time is a time of information both factual and false. How does one determine the truth? Unfortunately this is left up to the voter to research. Getting to personally know a candidate greatly assists in determining whether what is written is truth or fiction. It is great to meet candidates at small coffee gatherings or meet and greets where you can have the opportunity to interact directly with the candidate. It is this opportunity that you should take advantage of asking the questions you wish answered directly to the candidate. Meet them and decide for yourself. Remember, whomever your friends and neighbors like, may or may not be the same. Opinions will differ, but the choice will always be yours and yours alone regardless of the influences around you.
Can we believe the campaign promises?
This question is a little bit easier to answer…..probably not. Not that they are not sincere in what they would like to do, but that they are limited in their ability to get the results they are promising. All candidates are only one vote of a governing body and can not promise the governing body will vote their way. It would be better if candidates again state what they would like to see happen but remind people they are only one vote.
The DCAC’s stance on the upcoming elections will continue as it has in the past. We welcome all candidates to post a link to their campaign web site where citizens can read background information and political stances on issues. The DCAC will not be endorsing any candidates. We feel it is up to the individual voter to read the information and make their own choice as to whom they feel would best represent the City.
