BILLY ROY WAYNE

When the qualifying for the November election closed on July 24, a somewhat disturbing trend continued. Several races were unopposed.

This trend is disturbing because of the messages it can send.

Consider, if you will:

• Officials are sometimes lured into a false sense of achievements when unopposed;

• Officials are also lured into a false sense of security. They become complacent;

• Voters also become complacent as well. This is highly dangerous for the growth and vision elected officials should have. “Voters don’t care” is the message sent.

• Unopposed candidates serve to create a revolving door of self serving elected officials. This “everything about them” mentality can serve to create no accountability.

• If there is a finger to be pointed over this issue, should I point the finger at the apathetic voter?

The way elections were once held and the candidates for office were once “screened” is a thing of the past. With all of the abundant advantages of social media it has flaws.

The advent of social media into the political arena has served to create audiences for individuals who possess weak leadership and communication skills.

We no longer have “pools” of qualified individuals wishing to serve. This is by no means an indictment on present elected officials.

Yet, social media has helped to create an artificial pool of officials who can use it to hide from the public any self-serving motives they have.

Shreveport and Caddo deserve better.

THIS ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE July 31 ISSUE OF FOCUS SB - THE INQUISITOR