What A Great Privilege To Make Your Voice Heard

It is easy to be cynical. After all, when you reach retirement age as I have, you have experienced disappointment, unfairness and many obstacles that make you forget just how important it is to stay focused and continue to do the right things to make the world a better place for ourselves, our children and our grandchildren.

In the past week, I have been exposed to two incidents that have made me re-examine my commitment to the things I believe in. The first was when my granddaughter asked me to help her understand how to fill out her absentee ballot. She is attending college in Orlando and wouldn't be home on Election Day. As she prepared to make her choices, she said to me, "Grandma, I feel so powerful."

When was the last time that you felt that way when filling out your ballot? There were tears in my eyes as she said it. I realized that I (and I'm sure others) have forgotten how great a privilege it is to be able to make our choice be heard through our election process. I don't think anyone has the right to tell us who we should vote for or why their opinion should be considered better than our own. With that being said, I also believe that we have an obligation to research our candidates' beliefs, familiarize ourselves with their records and then make an intelligent decision based on that information.

The second was while attending a Street Dance Event for Jason Melton, a candidate for the District 44 Florida House of Representatives. Melton was introduced to the attendees and, in his comments, admitted to the uphill battle of his candidacy due to entering the race late as a replacement for Joe Puglia. He didn't try to dazzle us with accomplishments and rhetoric. He stated his goals, his commitment and his desire to serve.

It made me wonder how much time and money should it take to be considered for office. When we are talking about a local election, shouldn't a two-month period be long enough for us to determine who we feel is the best candidate to represents our beliefs? I have known Jason for four years and I know that he has my vote based on what I have seen as his commitment to this community. I feel what he will try to accomplish outweighs the accomplishments of the incumbent. That is my personal reason for my vote.

I'm not telling you to vote for Jason Melton, but I am asking you to take the time to research both candidates, as well as those in the other races on the ballot. You have plenty of time before you exercise your "power" on Nov. 4.

I know that the local government television station will be re-broadcasting the candidate forum many times in the next week. Take the time to watch. Don't feel your vote doesn't count. It counts as much, if not more this year, because of our troubled times. Don't be cynical. Be smart. Be informed.

Kay Busch

Spring Hill