As I sit here writing this piece, I want to come up with some catchy turn of phrase that will ignite a turn out of massive proportions for the people of Sidney and Cheyenne County. What can one person say that causes another to act on something the founders died for to make possible.
The escape from British colonial rule was a difficult and fragile time for the fledgling nation that was determined to prevent the kind of excesses imposed by an uncaring monarchy three thousand miles to the east. Part of the plan, they reasoned, would be to elect their leaders from the body public. First, free white male land owners, then former slaves, then women, all took their turns at the ballot box as we grew into a mature nation.
The essence that stabilized that fragile nation 223 years ago provides to all of us the chance to perpetuate the great experiment into the future with our voices, our votes.
Whether you are voting for someone, something or against something, your voice truly only counts when you exercise your precious right to vote. Some of the races will effectively end tomorrow as county wide races for Sheriff, County Clerk and District Court Clerk offices are Republican primary contests. These winners will most likely be elected if they advance to the November Ballot. Other office holders for various school boards and county commissioners are likewise lightly contested or open.
Three Sidney City Council candidates will fail to advance after the votes are cast and counted tomorrow. Which ones will you vote for? You have three choices and the six top vote getters will square off in November. How well have you done your homework to ensure you are not just voting on name recognition, or what you heard someone say in a coffee shop? How many sources did you consult, including talking with candidates to see if their goals and ideals match up to your own?
Tomorrow is Primary Day in Cheyenne County, Neb. You may not get what you want just because you vote, but at least you draw your own line in the sand though this precious exercise. You could allow someone to vote for you and remain silent and be fish, waiting for the right bait to come along. Wouldn't it be better to be the fisherman, who after careful study of the waters and the shore grasses, understands where the big fish lie, biding their time.
My friends, It is time to be the fisherman. Please vote on Tuesday May 11th and let the fishes know that you will be heard and they will listen.
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