public:cb_mirror:staying_connected_the_power_of_local_involvement_txt_blogposts_31793
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Staying Connected: The Power of Local Involvement
During a recent High Point meeting, we were reminded that local politics shape our daily lives far more than distant debates in Washington. City and state officials are our neighbors, accessible and accountable, proving that real representation begins close to home.
| A recent Convention of States meeting in High Point, reminded us that as self-governing citizens, we have a duty to get involved locally. Local politics has the most immediate and lasting impact on our daily lives. While national issues often dominate headlines, the decisions made by city and state leaders directly influence how communities function, how budgets are managed, and how values are represented at home. Tim Andrew, High Point City Council member, emphasized that local leaders are not distant figures—they are neighbors, business owners, and residents who live and work in the same communities they serve. Their accessibility allows for direct conversations and meaningful accountability. Residents can stop by City Hall, attend a council meeting, or even start a discussion on Main Street. This closeness reinforces the idea that effective representation begins at the local level. A central theme of the discussion was the importance of maintaining strong state and local authority. Historically, states were intended to hold greater power than the federal government when it came to making decisions for their constituents. Over time, however, the balance has shifted, with Washington exerting more influence over areas once reserved for state and municipal control. This growing centralization has created challenges for small business owners and local governments trying to operate efficiently under federal mandates. The speaker shared that he and his wife are in the process of opening a business in High Point and have experienced firsthand the burden of costly federal regulations. These mandates, written by bureaucrats far removed from the realities of local economies, can hinder entrepreneurship and growth. Such experiences underscore why local decision-making and community input are so critical to sustaining economic vitality. Fiscal responsibility was another major focus of the meeting. City councils are legally required to pass a balanced budget by July 1 each year. This means that local governments cannot spend beyond their means and must make responsible choices about how to allocate taxpayer dollars. The contrast with the federal government—which has struggled to balance its budget for decades—highlights the discipline and accountability required at the local level. The discussion also touched on term limits. While experience matters, long tenures can cause stagnation. Some officials lose connection to constituents over long tenures, raising concerns about fresh ideas and that matter to local constituents. He mentioned the effect of the 17th Amendment on the governance of America, and how it needs to be repealed. Senators elected by popular vote tend to focus more on campaign fundraising and winning votes than on representing their states' interests. As a result, federal legislation and policies often do not reflect what is best for their states. Municipal elections are vitally important but often ignored. Learn who is running for city council or mayor in your town. Get out and greet voters at the polls, or work during the election. It is important to elect people who support the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution at the municipal level, just as it is important at the state and federal level. An educated and informed populace is the greatest defense against tyranny. It's our duty. You can get involved with Convention of States by signing the petition and becoming a volunteer activist. Melissa Martin is on the North Carolina Convention of States Piedmont Regional Team, and is a State Content Writer and Social Media Warrior. |
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| Created: | 2025-10-26 03:38 GMT |
| Updated: | 2025-10-27 14:17 GMT |
| Published: | 2025-10-26 18:45 GMT |
| Converted: | 2025-11-11 12:07 GMT |
| Change Author: | Melissa Martin |
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