Who Cares What You Think? Russell McCloud does - Yuma County Board of Supervisors

Actually, it is the responsibility of your elected officials to do so. When was the last time you called, faxed, or e-mailed your state, national or local elected officials?

We are incredibly fortunate in this country that what we think matters. Our system is not perfect, but it is the best in the world and, I dare say, the best ever! One of the biggest surprises during my time as an elected official for Yuma County is the lack of input from constituents on matters coming in front of the Board of Supervisors. It is my hope that this lack of input reverses course and that we hear from our constituents regularly and on various subjects. Controversial matters come in front of the Board from time to time and surprisingly, we often receive few, if any, comments from the public prior to the time decisions are to be made. Without public input, it is difficult to gauge what our constituents desire. With communication from a large number of constituents we would have a much better feel for the mood of the public. After all, that is what we were elected for, to represent.

Recently our nation's elected officials passed an enormous spending bill that places our nation deeper in debt and that is full of controversial spending that may or may not benefit our national economy. Did you call your Congressmen to give your opinion, pro or con? This is where "we the people" can begin to make a difference in the way our politicians govern and make decisions. Please take the time to write letters or make phone calls to your elected officials to let them know what you think. Talking to your friends, neighbors or co-workers does nothing to influence those who make decisions on your behalf. Phone calls and letters to your elected officials do! Also, please note that I did not include e-mails. It is my understanding that, due to the nature of the ability of special interest groups to produce mass e-mails, e-mailing is the least effective communication tool for state and national issues. For local matters e-mail works just fine so feel free to drop an e-mail any time you wish.

One last note, if you believe that addressing your elected officials at one of their meetings has no effect because they may have already made up their mind, please think again. Your opinion DOES matter and what you think is important to us. There have been quite a few times where I have studied the information prepared for us by staff and made my notes as to whether or not I think an action should occur one way or another only to have that opinion changed by listening to the person or persons affected by that action who address the Board with their concerns. It does make a difference to be heard. Please do your part and make your voice heard!