Be heard: At every level of government, your opinion matters

We never believe that our voice makes a difference.

How often do you hear someone say -- "It doesn't matter what we say. They are going to do what they want to do."

Or, this oldie but goodie: "Why should I speak up/vote/write a letter to my congressman. My vote/opinion doesn't matter."

It is easy to feel that there is no reason to speak up, to take a stand, to get involved -- and the busy lives most of us lead make it even easier to try to ignore the goings on in the county, state and nation and to wait for someone else to take a stand.

Why keep up with what's happening? Why follow what your elected officials are doing?

Therein is the mistake that leads to communities losing track of the decisions their leaders make, and watching, helplessly, as their counties, states and nation head in a direction they don't support.

Your opinion matters. The changes that have come about in the county in the last few weeks -- as well as past changes in policy in the city and state -- are the direct result of people taking the time to get informed, to stay informed and to let their leaders know what they think and what they want to see.

And there is another round of unsung heroes, too, people who have done their time as leaders in this community, who have already served in government or who have retired from prestigious positions in business and education.

They might not be involved in the actual upfront workings of the county anymore, but they have a critical role to play now as leaders who have "been there and done that." Their insight and thoughts are especially critical now as the county takes its next steps forward -- and they can be valuable advisers and sounding boards for those who have taken the leadership reins.

There is wisdom in experience. That has been proven time and time again. And wise is the leader who knows when to ask for other opinions from those who already have been on the path.

But it is not just "important people" who make a difference in Wayne County.

It is about the everyday people -- the volunteers who work to keep local organizations afloat, those who meet and care for those who struggling, those who are in the classrooms, the health care facilities, the senior citizens center and, most importantly, those who fight to care for the men and women who serve and have served this country.

Your experience matters. Your voice matters.

And it is because of many of you that this county continues to grow and to live up to its reputation as a community with heart and horse sense.

So it matters if you read what happened at your county commission or school board meeting. It is important that you know what the city council or town board is up to in your community -- and that you fight to keep those dealings open and honest.

And it is important that if something is important to you -- like literacy, like caring for our seniors, like keeping our library strong, like schools -- that you speak up, loudly.

Those decisions affect your livelihood, your property values and your family.

And you should be a part of making them.

What a great lesson for all our children and grandchildren -- making a change, standing up for a principle, starts with one hand raised in the air and one voice that speaks out of a crowd.

That is the fundamental principle that makes this nation strong and why it will flourish, no matter who is at the helm.

It belongs to the people.

Published in Editorials on August 10, 2013 11:27 PM