Democracy’s High Price of Admission

I was once told that someone would have to raise/spend upwards of $7000 to win a seat on Chula Vista City Council. That was years ago, before the political parties and special interests groups invested so heavily, and I am sure the price tag has increased significantly. 

The idea that a seat could literally be paid for like an new suit at Macy’s shocked me at the time - call it political naivety.  

So the recent story that a group of “activists” were paid to show up at a recent council meeting to show “public” support for an item .... well, let’s just say I wasn’t surprised.  

I wish I could say I was disappointed, let down, and/or disgusted ... but the truth is, I’m none of them.  Why? Because I have worked in politics - for a short, but long enough - time to know that democracy has a price of admission. 

There is an actual monetary cost. The money it takes to win an election, to make campaign donations that secure you the ear of your elected, and to afford all the VIP networking events that prove you are someone important - someone worth listening to. 

Then there is the cost of time. The time that’s needed to show up at public meetings and get your opinion out there, to serve on city commissions and other advisory boards, and to stay informed on the issues, all while marketing yourself and building your base - the bigger your base the larger your influence. 

IF you can afford the full price of admission, you can be sure to play an influential role in democracy.  IF all you do is vote and passively engage on issues, democracy will be an elusive thing.

Upset, enraged by the paid “activist?” No, not me.  I’m actually more curious as to the reaction and outcry of the public.  One of my core beliefs is the “potential” power of the public to change this dysfunctional democracy ... but it remains a potential unless we are willing to invest, actively engage and accept the norm no more.

I’m in .... are you?  

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Z