I've called this section "politics". It has a lot of odds and ends that deal with city politics. I am amazed at the amount of people in politics that say, "I'm not a politician". It's like a person in the ocean who says, I'm not a swimmer. I've learned that to survive for twenty one years that you have to be a "politician". The distinction I make is that I think the public wants people to represent them in an honest and upright manner. You should be available to the public and not be afraid to debate an issue because it might affect your next election. I've voted "no" when I knew that I would be the only one on that side of the aisle. My belief is that America was created to allow common people to decide their destiny. We have no Kings or Dictators, but we do have the ballot box. The blood and sacrifice that was given for our right to vote should not be compromised by the apathy and complacence that seems to fill our air. I believe that people want honest and courageous politicians, but politicians, nonetheless. When you take the oath of office, you become a politician. Whether you become a good one or a crook is up to you and the public that you represent.
When I start to question why I do what I do, I read this:
The Athenian Oath
We will never bring disgrace to this our city by any act of dishonesty or cowardice, nor ever desert our suffering comrades in the ranks; we will fight for the ideal and sacred things of the city, both alone and with many; we will revere and obey the city's laws and do our best to incite a like respect in those above us who are prone to annul or set them at naught; we will strive unceasingly to quicken the public's sense of civic duty. Thus, in all these ways, we will transmit this city not only less, but greater and more beautiful than it was transmitted to us.
City Elections
A few years ago, I looked through the records of the City of Clarksburg and assembled a list of the City Election results from 1957 to present. It is really interesting to see the number of unique individuals who have ran for city council and water board in the City of Clarksburg. Many of these individuals are good friends and although some were not successful in winning the election, their effort is appreciated for making our process truly democratic. I hope you enjoy my research.
