Okay, this one didn't happen in Omaha (but I wouldn't be surprised if it did).
A few days ago, I read a small news article about a tiny city in southern California that was voting to replace all but one member of its City Council. Apparently, these city council members had paid themselves 6-figure salaries – and all sorts of perks and bonuses – while running the city finances millions of dollars into debt. The one member who was not being recalled had accepted only $1500 for his part-time services. While the citizens were going to the polls, deciding on replacements, the council members being replaced were in court, facing fraud charges.
The problem with elections these days is that candidates have to be rich in order to run for even the simplest office. And it seems like the only thing rich people care about is obtaining more money for their own bank accounts.
Maybe we need a few more 'common people' in public office. I just can't figure out how to get them there, since they don't have scads of money to let people know they're running for office.
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