The Constitution gives everyone a right to vote, but does the vote matter when you put your trust into elected official? There is a big difference in a candidate running for office and actually doing the work in Congress or State Legislature.

The best question rests with the candidate, which is basic to all individuals today: “How do I keep my job?”

Once the election is over, he or she leaves the home district, there is no longer a responsibility to the voters. Many fall prey to PACs, lobbyists and political party leadership to either join us or be against us. How does a citizen voter believe they have equal power to even expect help or influence from the newly-elected official?

Often many candidates will refuse to return calls, letters, emails to the voters in their districts if the call deals with sensitive issues. Or they will refer your questions to corporation representatives or other state agencies so as to appear not to put themselves in a compromising position with party leadership.

So ask yourself, does or did my vote really matter, or was I just another pawn in the path to get elected? Or does the candidate believe mission accomplished?

He or she must now decide where their true loyalty lies — with PACs, lobbyists or the party.

So does the vote matter, or was it just a hope or a dream?

Rick Page

Newnan