Editorial by Dawn Burleigh

Resign: verb. accept that something undesirable cannot be avoided.

I resign one cannot make everyone happy and be happy themselves.

I resign some people are only happy if they have something to complain about.

I resign some individuals will not turn on their headlights when it is raining hard enough to require the use of windshield wipers.

I resign some persons will always insist on tailgating, even at 75 miles per hour in high traffic.

I resign to the idea our president is Donald J. Trump.

Resigning does not mean I am happy about it. Resigning to the fact just means I accept the fact as something unavoidable at this time.

What I refuse to accept as unavoidable is the current state of unrest in this country.

I have friends on both sides of the debate. Half my friends are avid Trump supporters and the other half are ready to find a way to have the man impeached.

I resign to the knowledge I am stuck in the middle and have to listen to both sides.

However, for the first time since former President Bill Clinton and his impeachment hearings, everyone is talking about politics again and this time the topic is actually about politics.

Finally, something I do not have to resign.

As citizens of the United States of America, we each should participate in the process of our government. It starts with something small, such as registering to vote or serving jury duty.

For a moment, think about this, if you were facing a trial, who would you prefer serving on the jury? Individuals who were really hoping to be dismissed and now upset they have to sit through the process or 12 persons who care enough to show up and serve to ensure the judicial system stays fair and balanced? The idea IS to allow a person to be judged by their peers.

Registering to vote is painless. It is a civic right many people fought hard for us to have. In the not so distant past, people were murdered, lynched, and beaten just by trying to help black citizens to vote.

Women were jailed, beaten, thrown out onto the streets, and more just for fighting for the right to vote.

Peaceful protests are possible and much more effective in relaying the message of equality for all.

While I, personally, do not agree with every reason to protest, I will not deny a group from the right to be heard.

Another way to serve in the process of our government is local elections.

Not just by voting, but running for office.

The number one complaint I hear is how ‘so and so’ did not have an opponent so is serving for XX number of years. Well, why did you not throw your name into the ring?

Bravo to the six individuals running for two seats on the City of Orange City Council. They opted for change and decided not to wait around for someone else. They took it upon themselves to do their civic duty and run for office.

Serving the city as council member is just one part of the process.

There are city boards and committees which are always looking for new volunteers.

Current Board Openings:

Historic Preservation Commission – 2 Positions and alternate members to the Board of Adjustment, according to the city’s official website.

Historic Preservation Commission was created by Resolution 1996-131, the Historic Preservation Commission consists of five members. The Commission promotes the historic features of Orange to residents of Orange County; disseminates information to the public, owners of historic landmarks and owners of property within historic districts about the preservation and enhancement of historic landmarks; and reviews building plans with applicants anticipating new construction in designated historic districts. The Commission also conducts research on the historic features of the city; makes recommendations on potential historic landmarks; considers landmark improvement plans, and other duties as set forth in the City of Orange Code of Ordinances. Meetings are held on as needed basis in the Community Room at the Neighborhood Facility 303 N. 8th Street Orange, Texas 77630.

The Board of Adjustment was created by Ordinance 1984-62, consists of seven members. Meetings are held on as needed basis in the City Council Chambers at 5:30, 220 N. Fifth Street; Orange, Texas.

This board was established according to applicable state law primarily to grant variances from the strict application of the Zoning Ordinance. It also is empowered to approve special exceptions.

If you are interested in applying for a position on a Board or Commission, please contact the Office of the City Secretary at 409-883-1042 or visit http://www.orangetexas.net/city-government/city-boards/ to download an application.

Another option is to attend the council meetings. Orange City Council meetings are at 9 a.m. on the second Tuesday and 5:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month in the Orange Public Library Auditorium located at 220 North 5^th Street in Orange.

Don’t resign to accept something undesirable that can be avoided.

 

Dawn Burleigh is editor of The Orange Leader. She can be reached at dawn.burleigh@orangeleader.com