By Debbie Wuthnow for TOWNHALL
At the onset of COVID-19 in March 2020, I remember how surreal it felt when state and local officials across the country issued orders to “shelter in place.” At that time, we knew so little about the novel coronavirus, but the news coverage of massive deaths in Europe made these government orders seem reasonable, if drastic.
Businesses closed. Schools shut down. Churches cancelled. Streets emptied. We were told to wear surgical masks and practice social distancing when in public — only venturing out for “essential activities,” of course. Some cities and counties even threatened fines and jail time for those who didn’t comply. As we grappled with overcrowded hospitals and climbing death tolls, decisions made by local governments regulated our lives longer than we’d ever thought possible in America.
Though tragic in countless ways, the COVID experience shed light on the importance of local policymakers. In the past few months, local governments from New York City to Kerr County, Texas, have attracted national media attention for good reasons. The budgets, protocols and philosophical mindsets of our local officials have an enormous and direct impact on our lives. Yet, voter turnouts for local elections — when we choose these important officials — fall drastically behind those at the national level.
Examples of local government:
- Through the city council and mayor, the following services are decided upon and managed: police and local jail, fire department, courts (judges/prosecutors/public defenders), trash/recycling/sewage, water/gas/electricity, roads and bridges, animal services, zoning, public records, election administration, business development, parks and recreation, and arts and culture.
