by Patricia M. DeMarco

Senator Corey Booker has illustrated how we all need to stand up for democracy. Each of us has an obligation of citizenship to participate actively in the governance of our communities, our states and our country.  It is the value of each person’s voice that makes a representative democracy work.  The Constitution defines the rights of all citizens, but with those rights comes the obligation to adhere to the commonly accepted rule of law.  Our government operates by the consent of the governed.  Each citizen also inherently holds the obligation to participate. Active citizenship means we must vote in every election, every time.  So many people all around the world fight hard for this right, yet in America, many elections see less than 40% participation in national elections. Active citizenship also means we hold those elected to represent us accountable for their actions in office.

In 2024, a majority elected a President who has been throwing away the rule book, delving deep into archaic laws for justification for actions that define doctors and women seeking reproductive health care as criminals, and sweep entire segments of our population out of the country with no due process. Willful denial of reality like climate change will reduce the ability to prepare and respond to climate disasters. Willful elimination of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion policies as well as recognition of environmental justice needs will increase disparities and divisions based on race and gender. In the name of “efficiency,” entire Congressionally mandated agencies and operations are rescinded, dismissed and cruelly removed, in most cases, with no reason and no justification other than the temper of the President or the directive of unelected and unconfirmed civilians.

The function and purpose of government differs significantly from the functions and purpose of a corporation. While a corporation has obligations to its stockholders to generate profits measured by quarterly performance goals, government has the obligation to preserve and promote the safety and well -being of all citizens. Government exists to serve and protect all the people with the power to generate revenue to address needs. It is the obligation of government to meet the needs of the people and to generate revenue in a fair and equitable manner to meet those needs. In the public interest, some government functions may not be profitable when measured by strict corporate monetary standards. The public good has value in governance, while public benefits may not be a requirement for a corporation.  Applying strict corporate economic standards to government functions displaces the basic focus of government on achieving the public interest, and protecting the common good of the country as a whole. This includes public health and welfare, education, preserving natural resources such as parks and wildlife refuges, as well as defense and international relations.

We have the obligation as citizens to call out the authoritarian behavior displayed by the current administration. We have the obligation to stand up for the rule of law, the balance of powers among the branches of Government, and the due process put forth in the Constitution. We must hold our elected Senators and Representatives accountable for exercising their duties in providing oversight. We must call for public investigations and hearings to hold the Administration to account for actions that clearly defy logic and do not serve the public interest.

No American wants to see a return to the pollution of air and water and land that was rampant before enactment of the Clean Air Act, the Safe Drinking Water Act and the National Environmental Protection Act. No American wants to see children go to school hungry or have inadequate classroom support. No American wants to have health care denied to veterans, children, elderly or disabled people. No American wants to see prices on all commodities go up from vindictive and retaliatory tariffs. And no American wants to alienate our strong and loyal allies. 

We must recognize that until another election, we must brace for the consequences of reduced or eliminated services from the federal government. However, people will still require assistance, we will still need to address the effects of climate change in our communities, and we will still need to educate children, provide health care, and keep our communities safe and functioning. As the resources from the federal level are reduced or cut off, communities will need to work together. We will need to press the corporate entities that purportedly benefit from these changes to contribute more to support the common good. And we will need to become stronger as active citizens.

Local government forms the front line of democracy. People in the small towns of America will turn to their Mayors, their Borough Council and their municipal managers to meet their needs. The small towns of America can hold the line for democracy by engaging citizens, educating people on civic responsibilities, and empowering people to express their opinions where it matters. 

 Listening to citizens and hearing their needs and concerns lies at the heart of a democracy. Listening to the voices of people where they are and responding to their suggestions and helping to advance their ideas makes democracy actually work. As one example, the ReImagine Appalachia Blueprint, drawn from 45 listening sessions with over 1,000 people participating across four states (PA, KY, OH, WV), was incorporated into the Inflation Reduction Act, the CHIPS Act, and the Bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Act within two years.  Funds authorized by Congress under these laws flowed to communities across the country, with 80% of allocated funds going to Republican Congressional districts. This kind of local investment is accelerating the clean economy across the country.

Every citizen can act according to his or her own skill, talent and interest. I have taken a commitment to serve my community as a candidate for Mayor of the Borough of Forest Hills. With gratitude for the leadership and long service of Mayor Frank Porco, who has set an admirable example of service with 16 years on Borough Council and ten years as Mayor, I have agreed to try and fill his shoes. I am joined by a wonderful Tree City Team for Council: Angelo Baiocchi, An Lewis, Barb Martin and Tom Theilacker; and Tax Collector Nina Sowiski.  We are leading Forest Hills together into a future that carries forward our history of innovation, with a commitment to serve all the citizens of our community, to collaborate with our neighbors, and to keep Forest Hills affordable, safe and beautiful. See https://TreeCityTeam.com for the full platform.

We each do what we can with what we have where we are. The greatness of a country is not measured in the number and fame of its billionaires but by the well-being and prosperity of its children, the elderly and all working people. Write to your Senators and Representative today! And find a way to get involved with your local government. Be an engaged citizen. It is the only way a representative democracy can work FOR THE PEOPLE!