Local elections can lead the way

[struggle4progress]

Article Launched: 08/03/2006 04:27:27 AM PDT
David Cobb

... For too many progressives, politics is only about national or international issues. And certainly global warming, the quagmire of the occupation of Iraq, the anguish of Lebanon and any of the other failed and disastrous policies of the Bush administration deserve our attention and action. But it is also important to remember the cliché -- think globally and act locally.

After all, the local level is where grassroots activism and organizing can have the greatest impact. And consider how positive it would be for the core issues of a progressive agenda (affordable housing, access to health care, living wages, local control) to have people who share our values in elected local office. And as the evidence of global warning mounts, don't we want elected officials who are willing to consider how our community can address how we can meet local needs as we face the inevitable end of “cheap” oil? ...

Nationally, turnout in 2004 among the 18- to 24-year-old bloc increased 11 percent over 2000 turnout, while general turnout increased only by 4 percent. A new poll released by Young Voter Strategies, a project of the George Washington Graduate School of Political Management, shows that 73 percent of young people who are eligible to vote are likely to cast ballots this November.

”If you ask them, they will vote,” said Heather Smith, director for Young Voter Strategies. “It's figuring out how to ask them" ...

http://www.times-standard.com/opinion/ci_4130232

Most political references are to Humboldt CA area ...