By Sally Pyne
It’s no wonder we can’t get citizens to run for public office. You must be brave. While most would agree we all should practice good citizenship and participate in at least local government, it is apparent on election day the dismal participation rate– both at the polls and on the ballot. I got tired of the lack of choice on our local ballots and decided that instead of complaining about it, I should step up and take a turn. I had the privilege to serve as a member of the McLean County Board for a two- year term and currently am serving a four-year term as Normal Township trustee. However, I do not “identify” as a politician.
After looking up the definition, I guess I am a politician by definition, but it’s the negative connotation that I wish to not be associated with. What I have felt of late is the assumption that as an accused “politician” I am wanting to take credit for the good things being done, wish to “make a name for myself,” and have some secret or hidden agenda to pursue. While the “accuser” said he “meant no offense,” I did find it as such. Their perceptions of me are astounding as I am accused to possess these offensive qualities simply because I was willing to run for, and assume a public office. I wish to serve my community. I consider myself a citizen of our community who is willing to do my “fair share.” It isn’t easy to be brave and stand for participation in government at the risk of having your personal values and ethics questioned. It’s probably the few that make a bad name for the many when it comes to being a real politician, right?
I take my citizenship very seriously and have voted in each and every election possible since I was 18 years old. I raised children that are serious about this commitment as well. When I hear of people not voting I find that offensive. It is offensive to the people that fought and died for your freedom to do so. However, we focus our attention on a few professional athletes “taking a knee” to bring awareness to the oppression of black people and people of color as an insult to our patriotism. Kaepernick first simply sat on the bench thirteen months ago but choose to “take a knee” instead out of respect to our military veterans.
Athletes using their platform to bring awareness to an issue is nothing new. Remember the 1968 Olympics where our USA track medalists raised their fists in a “human rights salute,” or Muhammad Ali serving jail time because he refused to be drafted in the war due to the irony of asking black men to fight for a country that treated them as subhuman? One must be brave to stand up for something they feel is worth bringing attention to. The public outrage, and in many cases death threats, these people suffered is a disgrace. If you wish to show respect for your flag I would hope you are at least a registered voter. If you really wish to serve your country, or at minimum your local community, I urge you to run for office, or at least be informed, educated and choose to support someone who is running. Be brave, not a coward at the ready to criticize those who are willing to put themselves out there. It’s not only your right, it is most definitely your privilege.
Dr. Sally Pyne is a lifelong resident of Normal. She is a retired educator and served both Illinois State University and Lincoln College Normal. Her husband Ed owns the Normalite newspaper as well as seven other weeklies in McLean County.
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