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Opinion Guest Column Local election process needs help By Warren McCarty Editors Note: The Amarillo Independent heard about the chaos at the Potter County Democratic Convention and asked Warren McCarty, an experienced journalist, to provide his observations. When I decided to participate in this year's election process, I did so intent on having my voice heard and making my vote count. I was determined to be proactive in this political process rather than sit idly by complaining about this country's "screwed-up" political system. My visit Saturday night to the Potter County Democratic Convention at Palo Duro High School reinforced why so many people aren't active voters and have such disdain for all things political. Although the several hundred people from various precincts had good intentions, the entire scene was chaotic. There were problems signing in and problems with delegate registration. The entire convention was under-staffed and unorganized. After standing in line for over an hour to sign in, I was confident the process would smooth out once we got to the business of the convention itself. I was sadly mistaken. What happened over the next three hours was a frustrating scene of confusion, shouting and bewilderment — arguments over how to elect party leaders and several discussions about Roberts Rules of Order. There was a re-count of delegates; several alternates had to go through the process of becoming an actual delegate when it was determined that many delegates did not attend. My mind wandered throughout the night, and when I saw Potter County Sheriff candidate Robert Taylor, I dodged the discussion about the rules to ask his take on the process of becoming an elected official. Understandably, he was frustrated. My wife and I often have discussed our confusion about why political affiliation should have relevance to his or her ability to serve as a judge or in law enforcement. Ultimately, our laws are the laws. They are to be upheld and enforced as they are written. Whether a candidate for judge or sheriff is Republican or Democrat should not affect job performance. Taxpayers should be concerned about duties, not voting slant. The two do not and should not go hand in hand. If they do, then we are surely enabling a system to be open to corruption. Taylor is running as a Democrat. However, he is quick to point out that his information card does not reflect any political party; it simply states his personal motto, his experience and qualifications. We spend a lot of time talking about which candidate can make necessary changes in Washington and which candidate can really get things done. After my experience Saturday night, I am now a firm believer that we would be wise to examine our local political processes and begin "making the necessary changes" and start "getting things done" in our county as well. E-mail
comments about this story Posted: April 3, 2008
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