EDITORIAL: DOES MONEY SPEAK LOUDER THAN VOTERS?

In reviewing the political donations that District 1 candidates have received, it became obvious to us that even though Lubbock residents and companies living or located outside of District 1 don’t have similar neighborhood concerns as the residents of District 1; they definitely seem to have a big enough interest in the outcome of the election to donate significant sums of money to candidate Glen Robertson.

Robertson has raised over $8,000 dollars in donations and pledges while Victor Hernandez had managed to raise close to $1,100 dollars; you do the math.

Which begs the question; why do city residents and Political Action Committees like the West Texas Builders donate money to a city council candidate who wants to represent a district which is mostly ignored at any other time of the year?

While it is perfectly legal and ethical to give money to a political candidate of one’s choice; what sometimes makes the political system smell like a dead fish and turns voters off in some instances; is the perception that politicians listen more to the moneyed interests than to those who are unable to give.

Think lobbyists on a state and national level and perhaps you will agree.

Now ask any politician and they will quickly tell you that they accept donations but there never is a quid pro quo arrangement; in other words, the money never influences their vote.

At least there’s nothing in writing to that effect.

But what is important to remember here is that in many cases perception morphs into reality right before our very own eyes.

Here’s a hypothetical scenario in which a political donation could come into play:

Say you are a resident living in ...