The essays, analyses and opinions presented as Community Voices express the perspectives of their authors on topics of interest and importance to the community, and are not intended to reflect perspectives on behalf of the Salish Current.
[Updated Nov. 27, 2024]
Commentary: We must elect public officials who truly understand the daily realities faced by working families
After a total and apparently unforeseen defeat, it is natural for people to want to put the past behind them, to seek to gather themselves and perhaps to look forward to the next challenge — a coping mechanism as old as the world. However, before the Democratic Party moves on, we Democrats need to pause, take a deep breath, and take an unsparing look at where things went wrong.
The results of the 2024 election revealed a deep disconnect that exists between the quaint civic values promoted by the Democratic Party, and the reality of the lives of United States voters. The numbers make it clear: overall, fewer turned out for the 2024 election. An 83% voter turnout for Whatcom County might sound like a win, but when compared to 88% turnout in 2020, the loss of engagement is obvious. In both the 2020 and 2024 general elections, about 140,000 ballots were returned. However, by 2024, the number of registered voters had increased by over 10,000 — resulting in a net per capita loss of support.
Our inability to counter the misinformation campaigns precisely targeted at those sympathetic but disenfranchised voters — who failed to show at the polls — resulted in widespread distrust and disengagement. We need to reach out — to each other, and into the middle — and reaffirm our commitment to Democratic principles. We need to make room for innovative ideas, and for policies with tangible benefits. The 2024 turnout rate underscores the importance of fostering trust through policies that reflect the needs and voices of the people.
Recently, the Whatcom County Council missed a clear opportunity to build trust, by failing to listen and act upon the will of the people. Instead, the council voted to raise taxes, by 2.7% for unincorporated areas and 1% in incorporated areas. [Ed.: A previous version of this essay said that tax in all areas would increase by 2.7%, plus 1% in incorporated areas.] As has already become common practice in recent years, Whatcom County reassesses the value of real estate properties on an annual basis, often resulting in significant increases in cash owed in property taxes. This, again, is the same old fish wrapped in today’s newspaper. What the county fails to acknowledge is that an increase in homeowner’s taxes coupled with a practice of regular increased home value reassessments will only lead to increased mortgage payments for those who choose to bundle their loan payment, taxes and homeowners insurance.
These decisions — made at the highest executive levels, but felt mostly by the taxpaying middle class, highlight the disconnect between fiscal policy of our county government and the economic reality faced by many of our residents. While the County invests substantial resources to support those living in poverty, its outdated definition of “poverty” fails to capture the full scope of the financial strain of our working residents, which is only exacerbated by rising taxes and housing costs.
Effective use of general funds requires transparent oversight to ensure accountability. We need clear evidence that we are meeting the needs of the community as intended. It is essential to know who is receiving funding and how those funds are being utilized to serve those we voted to support. Transparency is crucial in addressing the urgent issues facing the community. Open and informative data and a detailed roadmap of progress enable residents to understand the county’s efforts — both now, and in the future.
To ensure transparency, accountability and genuine community engagement, we must elect public officials who truly understand the daily realities faced by working families. We need leaders who recognize the value of every corner of our county and see all areas as worthy of investment. Leaders with this understanding are better equipped to champion policies that address real needs and drive meaningful change in support of safe communities, healthy families and a strong future for all Whatcom County residents.
— By Leah Waiman
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