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Deltona Citizens Action Committee
Discusses Upcoming
Elections
Edward Bulwer-Lytton once wrote: “the pen is mightier than the
sword.” No truer words were ever said, especially when it
comes to campaign time. Whether it is local Deltona elections,
neighboring Cities, Volusia County, or national elections the
statement holds true to form.
Soon we will be inundated with campaign literature stating why we
should choose one candidate over another. Literature and campaign
advertising have for centuries given us our opportunity to be
informed about the candidates' qualifications and about their stance
on issues.
Herein lies the problem that we, as voters need to address: How does
one wade through the mounds of information to choose a good
candidate? Is all the information true and factual? Can a candidate
truly live up to all the promises?
These are the most important questions one needs to consider.
The
bottom line is there is no easy way to choose a good candidate as
what is good for one person may not be good for another. Each person
has their own thoughts and opinions. It is when differing opinions
are not accepted that campaigns get nasty. Just because you disagree
does not mean you are any less concerned about issues but that you
have different ideas on which issues are important or how they are
addressed.
Are
negative campaigns effective…yes. Are they beneficial to the
public in general... no. Are they an indicator of who is a
better candidate... no.
Good candidates should stick to discussing issues. If candidates
wish to attack each other on the issues then all gloves are off and
have at it! Family attacks or personal attacks (other than voting
records or stances on issues) have no business in a campaign.
Campaign time is a time of information both factual and false. How
does one determine the truth? Unfortunately this is left up to the
voter to research. Getting to personally know a candidate greatly
assists in determining whether what is written is truth or fiction.
It is great to meet candidates at small coffee gatherings or meet
and greets where you can have the opportunity to interact directly
with the candidate. It is this opportunity that you should take
advantage of asking the questions you wish answered directly to the
candidate. Meet them and decide for yourself. Remember, whomever
your friends and neighbors like, may or may not be the same.
Opinions will differ, but the choice will always be yours and yours
alone regardless of the influences around you.
Can
we believe the campaign promises?
This question is a little bit easier to answer…..probably not. Not
that they are not sincere in what they would like to do, but that
they are limited in their ability to get the results they are
promising. All candidates are only one vote of a governing body and
can not promise the governing body will vote their way. It would be
better if candidates again state what they would like to see happen
but remind people they are only one vote.
The
DCAC’s stance on the upcoming elections will continue as it has in
the past. We welcome all candidates to post a link to their campaign
web site where citizens can read background information and
political stances on issues. The DCAC will not be endorsing any
candidates. We feel it is up to the individual voter to read the
information and make their own choice as to whom they feel would
best represent the City.
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