Opinions: Local Politics Matter
Salsa on the Square hosted by Project Gettysburg Leon. (Photograph courtesy of Miranda Harple)
By Emily Dalgleish, Columnist
With just around 570 days left until the 2020 presidential election, the multitude of candidates running and their platforms are already dominating the news cycle and the minds of many Americans. Though I cannot minimize the importance of the 2020 election, we also cannot overlook the power and importance of local politics. We have an election here in Gettysburg on May 21st of this year in which many Gettysburg students are eligible to vote. These local elections matter because local government closely affects our lives, allows us to make a meaningful impact, and builds community.
As students, we live in Gettysburg for at least nine months out of the year, and local government decisions impact us. The Gettysburg Borough Council determines the use of local taxes for services, oversees the police department, and makes decisions regarding the construction or renovation of buildings. Though the college is exempt from paying property taxes as a non-profit, it voluntarily pays taxes on 28 of its properties and the Borough Council decides how to use that tax revenue. The Borough Council also has a committee specifically for building a connection with the college community. The Adams County Commissioners are responsible for public health and safety programs and set the budget for the county. Though we often discuss and pay more attention to federal politics, the local government can have just as much impact on our daily lives and our community, if not more.
Furthermore, in local politics, our involvement can make a difference. Local elected officials are highly accessible and are involved in our community. If you have a concern or an issue that you care about, expressing your thoughts to your local elected officials could affect policy and government action as they can be more responsive to constituent feedback. Voting or getting involved on a campaign can greatly influence a local election, as just a few votes can decide the outcome.
Finally, local politics can shape the community of the town. County political parties will often host events that can bring the community together and allow people to meet others outside of their normal social circles. As college students, getting involved in local politics can allow us to form a connection with permanent town residents who may have similar passions and political interests, but different experiences of the place we live.
I hope we can get as excited for the May 2019 primary and election as the nation is for 2020. If you are registered to vote in Gettysburg, I encourage you to request an absentee ballot by using the form on the Adams County website so that you can vote in this upcoming election. Your vote could be the deciding vote!
