Kontos Column: The baton has been passed in local government, but the race continues

By Dan Kontos

Local spring elections are now over and settled. Ballots have been counted and recounted, and it’s time we can move forward. Now, for what it’s worth coming from me…

First is a genuine congratulations to the winners of these elections. The people have spoken and hired, or re-hired, you as the best (if not only) candidate to fill another multi-year contract. I wish you the very best and urge you to remember why we selected you. We are counting on you to do your utmost and serve all of the people well.

I also sincerely thank all of those contenders who threw their hats into the ring in hopes of being chosen but fell short. Your efforts are not unnoticed (yes ankle-biters, that’s a double negative; I know, but I’m on a roll here), and your willingness to put yourself out there means a lot. We should never have uncontested elections, and I strongly urge you to consider running again. If not for that office when it comes open, but perhaps a different one.

Finally, my appreciation goes out to everyone who stepped up and took the time to research the candidates and vote. Your informed participation is essential to keep our republic functioning properly and efficiently (as government can get).

But now we move on to the fall partisan election, with much bigger fish to fry, and chasm-like political gaps between competing candidates. There is so much more on the line in November at the local, state, and national levels, that we really need; not only to pay closer attention to the candidates but to do a little soul searching on our part, and make a sober and honest assessment as to how we will participate and show our preferences.

From senator to governor to sheriff, we have some serious and consequential decisions to make when we choose who we will hire for these positions. Let’s take the time between now and the August primaries, and then the November elections, to examine the candidates, examine our own positions, and look at the process that we here in Portage County use to choose them.

The fall elections have all the partisan tribalism exacerbated by a deliberately polarized society. This means that we must take a step back, and not just ask who, but why we vote the way we do. It can be an uncomfortable conversation, but one we cannot shy away from.

While there will be a lot of other stuff to discuss over the summer, I promise for my part to do what I can to spark some debate, call out lies when we find them, and encourage participation in our democratic republic.

Let’s also commit to tracking what our new and current officials are doing on our behalf in government. Elections have consequences, and that includes the people working on our behalf as well. We selected you, so now it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get to work—for us. We will be watching.

So, with that, let’s meet in the opinion section to talk about all of it, boldly, unafraid, and with a healthy respect for each other. Until then, God bless.

Dan Kontos is a paid columnist for the Metro Wire. He chooses his own topics and his opinions do not necessarily represent the staff of the Metro Wire. He lives with his family in Whiting. 

We are seeking a liberal columnist. Anyone with interest should email [email protected].