Political Season is Here

Political season is here and despite this not being a Presidential Election year, there are several things on the ballot that should interest voters in Oconee County.  The cities of Westminster and Walhalla have seats up for election on their city councils.  Local politics have a greater direct impact on lives than does the President, says Clemson University Political Science Professor Dr. Joseph Stewart.  “My guess is that at the local level there are things that will interest you and if you don’t think there are things that interest you, you’re probably just not aware of the kinds of things that effect.  Think of all the things that local government does that effect your life.  Whether or not you have streetlights, streets, garbage pickup, sewer, runoff on streets, etc.  I know Walhalla has been dealing with beautification and spending money on exactly how the beautification will occur there.  Just simply spending tax money and how that will be spent.  Those are things that effect people’s lives directly, much more direct and important part of people’s lives than what is going on at the national level.” Dr. Stewart encourages you to get involved in the local political races, attend a candidate’s forum, visit candidate’s websites, and research the issues in order to become an educated voter on Election Day.