In this educational episode of I Can See Clearly Now, I stepped back from interviews and focused on a foundational question for residents of Farmington Hills and communities across Southeast Michigan. What does it mean to be an engaged citizen during an election season, and what responsibilities come with living in a democratic system.
I began by grounding the discussion in lived experience. Having served as a mayor, a municipal league president, and an academic who taught public policy across multiple universities, I have seen how local government decisions shape daily life. Roads, schools, public safety, economic development, and municipal services are not abstract concepts. They are the outcomes of political decisions made close to home.
A recurring challenge during election seasons is disengagement. Many residents express fatigue with politics and withdraw from the process entirely. Others follow issues casually but choose not to vote. While voting is essential, I argue that it represents only a baseline level of civic participation. Democracy functions best when residents move beyond disengagement and minimal participation toward informed involvement.
Political science often categorizes citizens by levels of engagement. At one end are those who are disengaged. At another are voters who participate only on election day. Beyond that are individuals who choose to become actively involved through volunteering, donating, or supporting campaigns. Rather than framing this involvement as conflict or combat, I emphasize that democracy requires work, not fighting. Productive civic engagement depends on cooperation, learning, and compromise.
To illustrate what informed citizenship looks like, I introduce the metaphor of the ferret. An effective citizen is energetic, inquisitive, and unwilling to accept surface level explanations. Being informed means seeking out original sources, understanding how government authority is distributed, and exploring areas that may not be immediately visible or widely discussed.
This mindset becomes especially important when evaluating candidates. Residents should understand a candidate’s professional background, community involvement, alliances, and campaign finances. Asking where campaign money comes from, how it is spent, and who supports a candidate provides valuable context. Financial contributions are not inherently problematic, but they do offer insight into access and influence.
I also address the importance of asking appropriate questions at candidate forums. Questions should align with the actual authority of the office being sought. Municipal officials do not control national health policy or school district governance. Understanding the boundaries of local government allows voters to ask more meaningful questions and avoid misplaced expectations.
Civic education often fades after high school, yet understanding government remains essential throughout adulthood. I encourage residents to revisit basic civics, learn how different levels of government function, and recognize where decisions are truly made. An informed voter does not rely solely on campaign literature or media summaries but seeks clarity through independent inquiry.
Throughout this episode, I return to a central theme. Democracy works when citizens are willing to put in the effort to understand issues, evaluate candidates carefully, and engage respectfully with one another. Participation is not passive. It requires curiosity, diligence, and a willingness to compromise when necessary.
I Can See Clearly Now exists to support that process. The goal is not persuasion or endorsement, but clarity. By focusing on facts, structure, and civic responsibility, the series aims to help residents make informed decisions that reflect both their values and a clear understanding of how local government operates.
