F.O.P (Fresh Off da Plane)

Well, that was fun

What I mean is, from the Midwest to Maui, there ain't a whole lotta difference in American politics. Of course, in Maui nearly all the candidates came out saying it would be a love 'fest. It wasn't. And almost never is, no matter where you're from. It just took a little longer for the fangs to come out in a couple of races.

Mostly, I just love a good politician -- and if I do -- you should, too. Just hear me out. This is really my sorta-sappy adoration of Democracy blog.

Whether you believe in President-elect Barack Obama or not, it is difficult not to get wrapped up in the awesome energy of both campaigns and sense of renewed promise for the country’s future. At least, there's some hope out there. I am a political/media junkie. But after nearly 15 years of covering politics for newspapers, I am still quietly inspired by people who put themselves out there and say, “Vote for me. I know what’s best. I will do what’s best for all of us.”

A few of the men and women are jokers who have not bothered to seriously educate themselves about how government, most often specifically budgeting, actually works. I'm not naming names but I met one or two people like that on the Maui ballot, too.

Still, I don’t think the average American understands how difficult it is for someone to take a stand and then run for office. Or the challenge to get people, regular folks, to give them the free time and money.

I find even if you don't agree with their politics, ya gotta respect ‘em if they campaign hard and really care about their community.

It’s easy to categorize volunteers, unions and corporate political action committees and other financial contributors as giving only to get something in return, because, well frankly, that often is their motivation. (Actually, the most common reasons are simple, a sense of obligation to a family member or friend or political reasoning.)

I read the campaign contribution reports and monitor politicians who support developers and labor interests or those people who never want anything in their backyards, at least once they have their own backyard. Ya know, the people who gave them the money to buy all those signs and radio ads. It's no big secret to anyone who pays even the slightest attention to local politics who is backing whom. But it should also then be no secret that it's almost impossible to predict every important vote.

If a politician really is for sale, please let me know. I'd love to do a story.

Sure people get charmed or convinced to vote one way or another -- or more often start into politics from a certain direction. There's also always the great American tradition of promoting campaign managers and advisors to posts for which they are questionably qualified.

I haven't seen the latter here. But then no one takes office until after the New Year. And I've only been on island for 14 months.

Despite that distasteful element of politics and the increasing influence of lobbyists -- which increasingly turns off so many of us -- I remain an optimist.

And I have to handle politicians’ sensitive egos (always awkward), rumor mongering (which I actually enjoy) and sometimes impassioned discontent with my coverage (don't like that so much).

However, I still get a geeky jolt after sitting through all those County Council meetings and then someone changes their vote. They got some new info and/or went with their conscience. I want to know why they put their careers at risk.

Don’t let the palm trees distract you. One thing interesting about covering politics in Maui: The struggle to acquire position and influence is no different in Maui than the Mainland. And it still takes charisma, even if a few local cultures sometimes call on their people to shy away from making too many public gestures. The fight for control of people's communities might be even greater in Maui, since there are no townships. No municipal offices. No urban boundaries even (although that part is supposed to change in the next several years).

The power is all centralized here in Wailuku. It's a far-flung county made up of four islands, but the candidates are all at large. There is a residency requirement, however, apparently you can represent an area you don't live in. It's not a perfect system and is probably the result of a rural community that grew too fast with too little oversight.

However, the political machine seems to be doing okay. Or at least, I don't hear anyone clamoring to have a chance to become mayor of Lahaina. Although there is an effort to recall the mayor of Maui (We'll see, I guess).

Even after countless hours devoted to walking door-to-door with all sorts of candidates in my career, attending their rallies, debates and fundraisers, I must confess I remain confused by politicians' intentions sometimes. Despite the perks, they have really tough jobs.

My job is to question those intentions, and no matter how many times I find specks of dirt, I can’t help but think the next politico will be sparkly clean. The fact is that it takes a healthy ego or self-confidence and fortitude, whatever ya call it all, to put yourself out there. Believe it or not, the vast majority of candidates and incumbents I’ve encountered I think truly believe in the Democratic process and the value of public service. Most come from a background of grassroots community activism, civic leadership or volunteerism. They tend to be nice people with some very strong convictions.

And I like to believe that -- aside from a government pension and health care coverage -- most of the people who run for office do it because they really do absolutely love where they live and the folks around them.

To use another food metaphor, if they haven't bitten from the apple, they are still working to improve on paradise.

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DonDiego
11-20-08 2:51 PM »Report Abuse	Aloha Chris! "If a politician really is for sale, please let me know. I'd love to do a story." Well, I'd love to see you really do a story on this! Well, there is no question now that Nishiki was bought! Even if he slides on the bribery charges, oh, I meant the "ethics violations" Dowling will have gotten his money's worth as "Mr. I can't be bought, I'm for the people, stop the rape by the developers, vote for me!" won't be able to vote in council against Dowlings devastation of Makena. That equals an automatic vote for Dowling on the new council. Wayne for years was the only one who appeared to stand up to the developers. Even if he hadn't run for office, the secret $100,000 could have bought his public influence and approval of Dowling! He was "the local peoples only hope" Welcome to Maui County government! The balance in the Maui county council is now even more pro-developer. Goodbye Makena, Hello Gated communities. Bobby Baker
newsygirl
11-13-08 7:41 PM »Report Abuse	Amen, brah!

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