Straight from the Mike…Michael Murphy, “Too Much Earwax, Maybe?”

Had the opportunity to meet a hearing specialist, an audiologist (I believe they are called) at a recent charity golf tourney. Not only did I enjoy learning about the importance of hearing, often taken for granted, but was ecstatic to learn further that he is a city of Mableton resident, like me.

As I reflect on the experience, it occurred that I could now connect the dots. The political conundrum we find ourselves in is that too many of our local representatives, not only lack 15/15 hearing, I believe there must be a wax build up that causes them to not hear our hue or cry. If they do hear us, they do not feel us.

It seems that we remain like ships in the night on a different course with a different destination in mind. A representative has the challenge and the responsibility to align their course to that of their constituents, not vice versa.

The most noteworthy example of this disconnect can best be highlighted with the willingness to raise taxes and fees during a recessionary or inflationary period. Economics 101 was when many of us got the lesson and was exposed to such a corollary. Conversely, when you reduce taxes, constraint government growth and spending, growth is ignited, a rise in revenue usually follows like a coat and hat. The working class is always hit the hardest when taxes go up. Their voices get muted and access to the decision makers becomes much more limited. Moreover, I have experienced situations where you plead your case, but their mind is already made up, the die has been cast.

While serving on a nonprofit board, Family Life Restoration Center, I saw up close and personal how a large pot of money came from Washington under the auspices of the American Rescue Plan. The funds had so many tentacles from the county that it seemed not to rescue anyone. The entity that thought it made sense to give grants on a reimbursement basis clearly has not been down in the riverbed with nonprofits. It is deaf to the day to-day challenges of keeping the doors open, clients cared for and the programs humming. In this particular instance, it is exceptionally frustrating when it appears that the engaged consultants have the ear of elected officials more so than the entities on the front line.

I would be remiss if I did not cite a recent example of how things can work when an elective body opens its aperture and ears to see and hear the voice of the people. The recent decision by the Cobb Board of Education to abandon their plans for a 50-million-dollar event center in the light of rising costs and optics, seeded the courage to stand down and save that spending powder for a likely reload at another time. Clearly, I think they heard what the voters were thinking about such expenditure during these ominous times.

Also of note, there seems to be a reluctance to reduce the size of government, explain the options, and consequences thereof in lieu of raising taxes and fees. You get used to hearing the red herrings and the doomsday scenarios at budget time. Our leaders seem so apt to forget the times that are upon us. Moreover, they seem much too anxious to assume that we will forget after the pain of the cost increase subsides. Bear in mind, all pain relievers are not created equal.

As the dawn of the 2024 Olympics is upon us, we know medals will be earned by the gifted and the hard-working athletes that realize nothing of value comes easily or should be taken for granted. In the Olympiad of public policy, the old medal goes to governing bodies that have heard the voice of their constituents and have elected to either roll back or not increase taxes and fees.

It is critically important to let it be known that an organization chart does indeed exist, and the citizen occupies the top box. The other levels of government flow down from that apex. When one remains silent on matters of fiscal importance, it is assumed that they are in support.

Conversely, if you are in dissent, I believe we are at time where you may need to hook up that Bose sound unit and make sure the right people hear you. Our vote remains the loudest vibe in the process of power to the people. As the slogan goes, “We will remember in November.”

I am Michael Murphy…