To the Journal editor:

As we creep toward the November midterms and our news sources are again filled with the perennial charade of Democrats and Republicans fighting for control of the Senate and House, the sad reality is that although we get to vote for these people they really don’t represent us.

Big money is what gets these people elected and big money is ultimately what is represented.

The silly issues dramatized by the candidates on the political stage are typically those chosen to keep us divided and distrustful of each other long enough to keep us voting for them as the lessor of evils rather than as accountable governors who must work together.

Difficult issues are shunned and real problems are kicked down the road. Citizens looking for real solutions from their legislators at the state and federal level will be predictably disappointed.

I recommend we look to our local government and community for the answers.

I stand in awe by what is accomplished by small town governments and community organizations every day. Most of the governing bodies in our towns are made up of volunteers who are truly service oriented citizens.

They distribute town funds frugally consuming no overhead themselves. Community service organizations, clubs and churches also volunteer to better our lives and to chip away at our communities problems.

I believe that most of the big issues facing us as a nation will be resolved through a series of successful local initiatives duplicated in other communities that ultimately manifest in a national expression. We need to gather our forces and work together to become that local model.

I want to help our town take a strong hold of its destiny. I want to diminish childhood obesity locally by working to build a town sponsored wellness center where all kids want to go because it’s got laser tag and roller skating. I want to help develop the trail network and sponsor youth training in biking and skiing.

I want us to grow our own food and to mentor our kids to be tradesmen. Why wait for the federal government to fix our economy when we have the power and responsibility to build and grow our economy ourselves?

Let’s work together make our town an example of what America can be. Volunteer and bring a friend. It’s time to be accountable to our own destinies locally.

Dan Perkins

Ishpeming