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Saturday, December 8, 2012

HOW TO SELECT OFFICIALS FOR PUBLIC OFFICE


Whenever we are faced with the duty to elect public officials, we easily fall into the trap of popularity, identity and self-interest. Popularity is not a skill and promises us nothing of what a person will do in office. Identity may be attractive because the person is like us in many ways. However, this alone does not qualify them for the technical requirements of office. Self-interest really does not qualify one for the spirit of public leadership; whether it is the candidates or voters self-interest.
We suggest three measures that give the public greater value by appealing to principles of universal benefit. These measures help you identify an ideal or best candidate. These are Godliness, Service and Skill. Godliness, derived from the word “good” demands that the person be of good intent towards all others. A service attitude is a critical component of public office. It is not obtained by office rather it is observed in ones attitude to their work. A servant attitude strives for others in private and not for self in public. Skill will be desperately needed in office. Again, it is not obtained with office; it can be judged from the candidates work résumé, employment or enterprise history.
Vote for officials who fear God (there is no greater measure of accountability), have an attitude of service (there is no greater guarantee of public benefit), and a person of proven ability (there is no greater measure of performance).   

Allan

 

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