Port Arthur mayor: No popularity contest

Published 10:25 am Thursday, January 24, 2019

Good morning ladies and gentlemen and welcome to 2019, a year when we must claim victory for ourselves, as well as the city in which we live.

After the unexpected and abrupt visit from hurricane Harvey, it is of the utmost importance that we methodically and strategically orchestrate a plan of action that will evidence our vision of growth in our own lives and in the city of Port Arthur.

This claim of victory has to be passionately guarded against any commonality which would exalt itself above the intention of excellence that birthed the claim to begin with. What exactly do I mean by that? Well I’m glad you asked.

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As we go about our individual recovery efforts, we must also consider our contribution to the recovery efforts of our city. This means having competent, effective representation making decisions on our behalf.

Now, the operative words in the last sentence were “competent” and “effective.” Now, the way we may determine the competency and effectiveness of a candidate in a race for public office is much the same as the way we might choose a winner at Delta Downs. We review the track record.

Or for the religious community, much like the parable of the master giving each of his servants a particular number of talents. Now in a town like Port Arthur, of course there are going to be some friendships and other relationships, loyalties that will come into play; nevertheless, the greatest good must take precedent.

City government in Port Arthur has had a very colorful past, to say the least; notwithstanding, we must make particular considerations as we move toward the upcoming city elections. We have the time to ask the right questions and perform adequate due diligence to be informed voters, as opposed to popular voters for a refreshing change.

Here are a few questions you may either ask the candidates, yourself or recorded documentary:

  • What leadership roles does the candidate have on his/her resume?
  • What percentage of those roles were deemed effective, noteworthy or successful?
  • What knowledge of city government does the candidate have?
  • Does the candidate have the level of commitment and passion to make the hard decisions for the greater good of our community?

Ladies and gentlemen, we have allowed popularity contests to replace elections long enough. When you ask yourself those questions, if you don’t like the answers you get from them, then it is an extreme possibility that your conscience is telling you that you’re a dear friend is not the man or woman for the job.

Quite similar to a horse racing stat sheet that tells you that Stunning Beauty, who did not place in the last five races, will likely not place in the one that is yet to come. Love your friend enough to save them from the embarrassment of yet another potential for defeat at the expense of the entire community.

Voters, vote wisely!

Anthony McDaniel lives in Port Arthur.