Local politics trump national
Editorial
Issue date: 4/16/09 Section: Editorial
The world watched as the excitement and hype of the 2008 presidential campaigns culminated in national elections last fall.
America's young people eagerly took part in the action, as Facebook groups garnered support for one or the other candidate and political clubs and organizations on campus facilitated new voter registrations and change of address forms for over 1,200 students.
Many of us gradually lost interest in happenings on the political scene when the front pages of the newspapers and the lead stories on the nightly news turned to topics of less immediacy and interest.
Another round of political campaigns began early this semester, with a much smaller spotlight and scant student enthusiasm.
Various Chattanoogans vied for positions on the City Council in the local elections which took place March 3.
Two of the candidates for district eight, which includes our campus and the Fortwood residential area, went head to head a second time in a runoff Tuesday, in which newcomer Andraé McGary claimed the district seat from incumbent Leamon Pierce with 72 percent of the vote.
This may seem like old news to those who have not been following the issues involved in this local race, but in reality, the action is only beginning.
Our City Council has the ability to facilitate student projects and address the concerns of Chattanooga's youth, but it also has the power to make our lives difficult and stifle our ideas.
According to McGary's campaign Web site, www.votemcgary.com, his priority issues include "greening" Chattanooga, encouraging recycling programs and working equally with campus Greek organizations and community associations.
In addition, he wrote he would foster development on Martin Luther King Boulevard and other areas near the university.
Though events in local politics are far less glamorous than President Obama's efforts in the White House, they have a greater and more immediate effect on us than the decisions coming out of Washington have on our day-to-day lives.
America's young people eagerly took part in the action, as Facebook groups garnered support for one or the other candidate and political clubs and organizations on campus facilitated new voter registrations and change of address forms for over 1,200 students.
Many of us gradually lost interest in happenings on the political scene when the front pages of the newspapers and the lead stories on the nightly news turned to topics of less immediacy and interest.
Another round of political campaigns began early this semester, with a much smaller spotlight and scant student enthusiasm.
Various Chattanoogans vied for positions on the City Council in the local elections which took place March 3.
Two of the candidates for district eight, which includes our campus and the Fortwood residential area, went head to head a second time in a runoff Tuesday, in which newcomer Andraé McGary claimed the district seat from incumbent Leamon Pierce with 72 percent of the vote.
This may seem like old news to those who have not been following the issues involved in this local race, but in reality, the action is only beginning.
Our City Council has the ability to facilitate student projects and address the concerns of Chattanooga's youth, but it also has the power to make our lives difficult and stifle our ideas.
According to McGary's campaign Web site, www.votemcgary.com, his priority issues include "greening" Chattanooga, encouraging recycling programs and working equally with campus Greek organizations and community associations.
In addition, he wrote he would foster development on Martin Luther King Boulevard and other areas near the university.
Though events in local politics are far less glamorous than President Obama's efforts in the White House, they have a greater and more immediate effect on us than the decisions coming out of Washington have on our day-to-day lives.
