Vote-aerobics

Simply Sleight, by Kari Sleight

We've been told over and over that exercise is good for us. Indeed, it is hard to argue against this given the many studies that have been conducted, all reaching a similar conclusion. A well-planned and executed exercise routine that helps ensure fitness is a necessary ingredient for quality living, now and in the future. Exercise keeps our minds sharp and our bodies functioning at peak performance.

Observing life in the Mat-Su Valley, it would appear many Valley residents have vigorously embraced this knowledge, working hard to incorporate a sound exercise regimen into their daily lives. Nearly everywhere you look you see people jogging, walking, going to the gym, registering each year for organized sports teams or participating in non-organized sports. It would seem the majority of residents in the Valley actively takes part in some form of regular exercise.

While I would normally take great pleasure in sharing this news with our readers, I am dismayed that with all the fitness-conscious citizens we appear to have, we fail to participate in the most important exercise of all, our right to vote. The diminishing voter turnout is a disturbing trend in our community, state and nation. Our primary election this past Tuesday had a voter turnout of about 21 percent statewide and 23 percent in the Mat-Su Borough. It scares me that more than 75 percent of Alaskans don't seem to care how our state is governed, and it should scare you, too, especially if you fall into that 75 percent majority.

Just as exercising our bodies is important to our well being, exercising our right to vote is important to the overall good health of our community, state and nation. Elected officials are asked to work and make decisions for the common good of their constituents. If the voices of the less than 25 percent who felt it wasn't an overwhelming burden to drive to the polls and cast their vote are the only voices being heard, does this really reflect what the community wants or needs? Do we really want 23 percent of the population shaping our futures and making the decisions that affect our quality of life? Do the majority of Mat-Su residents really not care about what can, and will happen as a result of the election outcome?

Based on the number of telephone calls, e-mails and letters to the editor we receive at the Frontiersman, I have a difficult time believing the bulk of residents don't care about their future or quality of life issues. The planning and zoning matter is a prime example of a topic that elicits passionate feelings from both camps. I've attended planning and zoning meetings that appear to have drawn a larger turnout than our most recent election, yet where were these people when they had a chance to elect an official who can actually help shape those future plans?

An income or sales tax is another hot topic this year. If the voter turnout was used as an indicator, are we to assume that the majority of Alaskans really won't care one way or the other if we pass a tax plan next year? Something tells me it won't be one of those issues that will silently work its way through the House, Senate and governor's office.

If you were one of the responsible registered voters who turned out this past Tuesday to cast your vote for your chosen candidate, congratulations. You have now earned the right to complain when laws are introduced that you disagree with. You may freely voice your concerns when an ordinance is proposed that you don't believe is well planned or incomplete. Your letter to the editor that disagrees with a stance an elected official has taken deserves to be printed on our opinion page and shared with our readers. You exercised your right to vote, and just as you would benefit from your physical exercise, you can now benefit from your voting exercise.

On the flip side, if you didn't take the time to vote or just couldn't seem to find the time in your busy schedule, you don't have the right to complain when issues aren't decided to your liking. The time to make your voice heard is at the polls, not when you don't get your way. You must now pay the price for failing to exercise your right to vote, just as you pay the price for failing to exercise your body or mind.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the candidates who gave so much of themselves to our community. Regardless of the outcome of the election, you are all winners in my eyes. You have enough faith in your convictions and generosity in your souls to share with the people of Mat-Su. You selflessly donate your time and talents seeking to make a better present and future for all of us. Running for office is an often difficult undertaking that subjects the candidate to ugly allegations and close public scrutiny, a job most of us are not willing to expose ourselves to. We need more people like you who care deeply about their community or at least care enough to vote.

Kari Sleight is the Frontiersman publisher.