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“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” – Unknown, but usually attributed to Einstein
Voting for the same people/party and expecting a different result is insanity.
It seems that in politics, it boils down to who can raise the most money by pandering to special interest groups, companies, and big money donors. If you want your elected leaders to represent you, you have to write a big enough check that they will care about you. If you can’t provide the same funds as a large business, then your needs are simply not going to be met.
My campaign for Carmel City Council, Southeast District is focused on meeting people and not fundraising. I have committed to only take donations under $100. I believe strongly that money buys candidates and ultimately their vote on the council.
This is one of the biggest problems with our political system today. While it might be legal to take thousands upon thousands of dollars from a corporation, business, or even an individual, it’s not right. Our districts are small enough that you should be able to meet your elected leader and get to know them. The only reason a campaign needs lots of money is so they can run digital ads, buy newspaper ads, send you junk mail, and text/call you relentlessly. They spend a lot of time, money, and effort not to have to actually meet you.
A quick campaign finance records search will show that many of our current sitting political leaders in Carmel are taking big donations from developers, real estate companies, and lawyers for developers and real estate companies. Please don’t get me wrong, I don’t blame the business. It’s a great investment to give a politician a relatively small amount of money to curry favor.
None of us like the current system, but we keep voting for people that prop it up. If you really want to change politics, how about voting for people not bought and sold?
Jeremy Eltz
Candidate for Carmel City Council
Southeast District