Straight from the Mike: Oh my, look at what they’ve done now

First off, let me start with a disclaimer and an observation. Surely, I am not the only one who has reflections about the Mableton city elections. The dismal turnout should be a note of concern to all of us. Moreover, I want to congratulate the newly elected Mayor and Council members. However, if you are a captive of either party, this column may give you heartburn. You may choose to cease reading it prior to my conclusion. I make no apologies and readily recommend two or three Tums for your relief. 

Secondly, if you have the same takeaway that I do, let us pray that better days are ahead and a degree of normalcy will prevail once our city gets underway.

My major point is that there are a few reasons that some public offices on a ballot are non-partisan. It is with the hope that certain key offices can attract independent thinking, and civic influencers desirous of taking a sip from the cup of public service. A significant office that comes to mind is our judiciary. 

It became apparent early to me as a resident of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts why there are only two states that appoint judges for life. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the State of New Hampshire do so. The check and balance to a Governor’s lifetime appointment authority is kept in check by an office called the Governor’s Council. Our founding fathers knew that if Lady Justice ever had her blindfold removed for any reason, we would cease to have a fair, independent and effective justice system. The Governor makes an appointment, and the Governor’s Council votes on each appointee based upon the qualifications and judicial philosophy of the candidate. 

I had the honor of serving in that elected position as Governor’s Councilor for one term in Massachusetts. During that period, I personally interviewed over 35 judicial candidates for the various courts. Questions of party affiliation or political leanings never arose. If the candidate was going to preside over criminal cases, I always asked about one’s view of capital punishment and sensitivity to racial bias. Every candidate expressed relief at not having to be burdened by the rigors associated with running for a seat and a party label. Expanding that point to our state, one can readily see the concern of injecting partisan politics into non-partisan elections.

No political party has a lock on competence, leadership with vision, integrity, or the thirst to be an effective civic influencer. Frankly, one could argue that injecting partisanship into what is determined to be a non-partisan race may serve as a deterrent to some potential candidates’ willingness to take the leap of courage and faith to run for local office.

Our society has become a ‘label first’ entity that serves mostly the classes, not the masses. Let me be clear, I totally understand the world of politics where power and control is paramount. The people are secondary and in some cases, merely the collateral damage victims of deals and decisions made at the table.

Our recent local election had the ingredients of a new beginning, a fresh start, and offered a blank canvas to draw up a functional entity that serves all the people of Mableton. 

It was exciting to see a slate of willing residents qualify, including this writer, come forth to share a vision and a path for a new city among the six cities already well-established and stalwarts on the municipal stage. 

Suddenly, Fox News parachutes in with interest in the Mableton election. The GOP gets riled up. The local Democrat party leadership declares its priority in seeing only Dems elected to city office. Obviously, a noble goal in any partisan election, but not in a non-partisan race.  

In my opinion, it is an ominous omen for future municipal and judicial elections. If a municipal candidate proffers, if elected, to support service excellence and close scrutiny of my tax dollars, I am not concerned about party affiliation. 

In non-partisan elections, a clear advantage can exist when civility, fresh ideas, and cooperation permeates the Mayor and Council. Everyone wins, however, once the party labels come into play, the likelihood of intellectual rigidity rears its ugly head. Who loses? The people. 

One has to look no further than the acrimony that currently exists with our Board of Commission to know that progress and bold ideas have taken a back seat. In some instances, the mere thought of ‘walking the halls’ seeking support and cooperation is as rare as a cordial welcome of a Seagram’s salesman to an AA meeting.

Time will tell. Hopefully, leadership with vision, premier service plans, and board cooperation will carry the day.  I will prayerfully remain confident and optimistic that the talent elected will prevail and resist the temptation to allow party influence to impact the business at hand. Surely, we have seen enough of the opposite at work.

Let our new city begin.

I remain Michael Murphy…