Opinion
At 18, I don’t understand the complexities of politics. It seems to me that a profession that should require the best of man, attracts the worst qualities in man, power hungry, egotistical, selfish.
They call themselves leaders but they use words that divide us. It doesn’t make sense, so why should we be engaged and pay attention?
I don’t think it’s just younger people, I think people in general are tired of politics and tired of politicians. While most politicians may seem the way I described, I think there is someone different in Woodbridge, Steve Chapman.
I volunteer at the front office for a local organization. In the spring, a guy came in with lots of energy. It was Steve Chapman, he was always friendly, remembered my name and would chat for a few minutes whenever he would stop by.
I later learned he was running for Woodbridge Supervisor, my first question was, What is a supervisor and what do they do?
So next time he came in I asked him. He responded with enthusiasm.
“It’s a position that can bring the community together, Supervisors deal with the items that impact your life every day: schools, taxes, traffic, fire, police and development,” he said.
He then shared with me a couple stories from people he met at their doors, and “how a caring supervisor could help improve their quality of life.”
Chapman said that he has to work hard for these people because they deserve better than what they are getting.
Then Steve asked me “What did I want to see changed about our community?”
As a senior at Gar-field High School, no one with any kind of authority had ever asked me my thoughts on matters of significance. I thought, then I told him “I just don’t think people my age feel like they could make a difference”
He followed by asking if I wanted to help him get Woodbridge moving and help get the word out?
I have, I’ve joined Steve in knocking on doors and working at events and also help do some data work. To be honest, I’m a little surprised at the trust he has placed in me, I think Mr. Chapman sees the potential in each of us and wants to bring that energy together to benefit all of us.
That’s the belief that younger people like me need, someone to believe in them, someone to give them a chance so they can make a difference.
It’s been about six months since I first met Steve Chapman, I’ve worked with him, he’s got lots of energy, he listens, he cares, he’s very optimistic and is committed to working hard for all of Woodbridge. Please join me in supporting Steve Chapman for Woodbridge Supervisor November 3.
