No matter how much of a circus this election cycle has been, one thing is for certain: It has gotten people talking.
It is not unusual for people to become more active in politics during presidential election years, but compared to the last two elections, voters generally seem a lot more outspoken — and active — in their government all the way down to the local level.
Last week, Leader Publications co-hosted a mayoral candidate debate with the Niles District Library and the League of Women Voters. I was amazed by — and quite pleased — by how packed the audience was.
Other events hosted by the league for state representative races and the Cass County judge drew similar attendance, and at the majority of the debates, people did not just come to watch; they brought questions, too.
I was unable to attend the other debates, but the Niles mayoral forum offered a great example of democracy in action. I was proud of the Niles community for not only showing up, but getting involved and seeking answers to issues facing city residents.
I’m very proud of this level of effort among local taxpayers and voters. Pointing out problems and seeking answers and solutions to those issues is exactly what people should ask of their elected officials.
But now we need to take that level of participation one step further.
I challenge the people in Berrien and Cass County not to limit their participation to the weeks preceding an election.
My guess is that if you asked any person who attended any of the debates and forums hosted in recent weeks if they learned something, every one of them would say, “yes.” I would even go another step in asserting that attendees came away with knowledge they would not have otherwise sought.
Imagine how much more informed our voters would be — and how much more accountable our elected officials would be held — if that level of participation lasted year round, regardless of whether a new president is taking office.
The reality of the situation is that we have the power to make an impact locally, and as taxpaying citizens, the residents of our communities should take advantage of the rights we have as Americans to question decisions and hold elected officials accountable for their actions.
Vetting potential office holders at events like the recent debates is certainly a step in the right direction, but if we keep our eyes on our local government throughout the year, we’ll make great strides toward having more successful communities.

Ambrosia Neldon is the general manager at Leader Publications. She can be reached by phone at (269) 687-7713, or by email at ambrosia.neldon@leaderpub.com.