It is so true that the real work of government begins and ends with the people. We tend to forget about government after elections, and just put it on "autopilot."

Our local governments, as well as national governments, must be monitored and checked; otherwise, politicians will cut corners at our expense and use our money in their best interests. That is what they want us to do. They do a lousy job of monitoring themselves, even though legally they should check and balance every law affecting we, the people.

Think of it as going to the doctor. Yearly visits are fine (like elections), but the real work is maintaining, exercising, dieting and staying fit every day after that. Let's help our government stay fit and exercise our rights as citizens and human beings by engaging them "not while they are running for office, but while they are doing the quiet, thankless work of shaping policy."

This is true maintenance and government efficiency. The frenzied pace of elections are more for show (rather) than accomplishing the promises which our politicians make to us.

Norman Singer

Cary