Local Belleair Politics

Last updated on March 29, 2022

Local Belleair Politics

Local politics. A tightrope walk between likeability and electability. It’s a fact as soon as any politician is elected. Their next task is to get reelected. Yes, that is correct. Before they even start doing the job they were elected to do—they need to figure out how to be reelected.

Contrary to our beliefs, a government isn’t always of the people and by the people. Its frequently ruled by the more educated and prosperous. Not ever the smartest. Working-class people rarely get on the ballot. Partly because influential individuals are unlikely to be persuaded or finance them.

Every tough choice of an elected official will have two outcomes. You can please some people all of the time and all of the people some of the time. But you’ll never please all the people all of the time! That includes constituents. And their elected officials.

So, as a local elected official. Who do you think they try to please first? Residents, that complain continuously, a newer resident with no political clout. The non-English speaking person that doesn’t vote. Or the town’s one-percenter. The same constituents that donated to their campaign. If you answered yes to any question other than the last one. I think you’re not completely honest.

Local officials’ work isn’t physically demanding, nor is it the most demanding job. Those occupations involve folks that fall trees and being mothers.

Unlike falling trees or being a mother, you can find local, state, and federal jobs with no experience whatsoever. You don’t even have to be elected by the town voters.

With 4000 residents, Belleair’s local elected officials’ job is plain and simple! Most towns manage public schools, organize fire services, run libraries, and oversee health care. Maintain swimming pool maintenance, run food bank programs, care for the elderly, and monitor state and federal programs. Belleair doesn’t.

They plan and pay for local roads, provide water/sewage, organize police, limit zoning regulations/license professions and parks, and recreation programs. A small percentage of residents use them.