GAVEL GAMUT
By Jim Redwine
www.jamesmredwine.com
THOSE WHO SERVE
On January 20, 2025 America swears in its new president for a four-year term. A president
who just completed a four-year term will leave office on that same date. Countless public
servants will also be leaving as countless replacements will move in. Throughout the United
States, local, city/town, county and state officials will be switching roles as the rest of us juggle our past and future servants’ identities and duties. These offices will not all change on the 20 th or even during the same month or year. Of course, most of us barely take note of the shifting federal servants much less who is figuring our taxes or keeping track of our real and personal property, enforcing our laws or chasing down rabid animals. We take almost everything any of our multiple governments do without a second thought, unless we or our family needs a service.
But as one who has sought elective public office on several occasions, I appreciate the
angst our elected and appointed public workers suffer. My first political campaign was for the nomination for Prosecuting Attorney; I was unopposed. I was convinced the world recognized my superior talents. That fall I lost the general election; I was comforted by telling myself the public had not appreciated its mistake. However, I have never completely recovered, although the person who beat me and I later became respectful friends.
Then, two years later I ran for judge and won. I just knew the public had recovered from
its political dystopia. Thereafter, I ran for judge every six years for thirty years, but was
unopposed in each primary and general election. However, until the filing date closed each cycle, I held my breath as all office seekers probably do. Even an uncontested election calls forth anxiety, although each time I convinced myself no one had cause to run against me. And it was not just my welfare I was responsible for; my staff, not to mention my family, relied on my status too.
Well, Gentle Reader, you probably right away figured out what I meant to say today, but
I will continue to say it anyway. Most people quickly criticize their public servants, but few of us acknowledge their precarious predicament and their essential roles. Many of them expend great energy and significant amounts of money for the privilege of operating our democracy. For me, they deserve thanks; so, Thanks!
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