Civic Engagement

Civic Engagement

Civic engagement is more than voting every two years at the polls. Irish politician John Curran stated, "The condition upon which God hath given liberty to man is eternal vigilance; which condition if he break, servitude is at once the consequence of his crime and the punishment of his guilt," which has been shortened to the aphorism, "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty." The sentament ramains the same: liberty is preserved when those who have it guard it from it being taken, whether by force, executive order, legislation, or apathy.

I believe that government officials should be representatives of the people and values of the community, not "leaders" who act as if they know what is best. As a county board member, I will seek out and welcome input from the people in my district, whether they agree with me or not. Moreover, when residents proactively offer their perspectives on topics, I will listen! Civic engagement goes both ways: from the voter to the elected official and the official to the voter.

If you want to engage with me through social media, I can be found on X at @mrcarymathews.