Student voters should study several sources to understand local politics.
The Raleigh mayor and Council set policy on local issues, including housing, transportation, garbage collection, water and sewer. They oversee millions in federal funds for community development.
In a City as rich as Raleigh, unemployment, homelessness, unavailability of Section 8 housing nor inability to site grocery stores should be issues. We should not have young men lining up daily to donate plasma in exchange for money. We should not have children living in a homeless shelter at night while attending Wake County Public Schools during the day. Perhaps the Council doesn’t consist of the voices of people who truly care - until re-election time. Students should be cautious of words that sway emotions but don’t produce action.
Students are vulnerable to people who want to use their attractiveness and zeal to further personal causes. Students should ask, “Will this action assist me in graduating or employment? Are their children also on the front line? Or, will they be beneficiaries of my efforts while I’m left behind - again"?
