Last year I decided to get more involved in the political process. The catalyst for my involvement began when retired U.S. Navy Captain Harry Clay Gintzer III contacted me.

In January 2010, I began attending monthly meetings held by the Park County Republican Central Committee (PCRCC) in Fairplay. The first meeting was perhaps the most challenging because you enter a room full of people you don’t know. Harry introduced me around and I slowly began to realize people were friendly and shared common interest.

As I began to know people better, the more I grew to appreciate the contribution they have made for many years. All the people involved at the monthly meetings are volunteers who are not compensated or reimbursed for their expenses. They have a passion or a mission in life for which they want to make a difference.

My first major event was conducting a Precinct Caucus Meeting in March. At the Caucus Meeting, registered Republicans elected 2 Precinct Committee Persons and conducted other important business.

Fortunately for me, I was elected as Precinct Committee Person. The main duties of the Precinct Committee Person are to communicate with citizens and represent their views.

During the Caucus Meeting, citizens expressed their concerns; they wanted to know more about the issues, the candidates and how to take back control of government

In response to their concerns, we have conducted 3 Team Building Workshops and conducted other meetings to create a common language to solve problems.

We discussed and offered solutions to the following: (1) big government (bureaucracy, corruption, socialism & Marxism), (2) budget deficit, (3) defense (military), (4) economy & jobs, (5) education, (6) energy policy, (7) environment, (8) global warming, (9) healthcare, (10) illegal immigration & crime, (11) Medicare (Medicare Fraud), (12) regulations, (13) social security, (14) taxes and (15) war (Iraq & Afghanistan).

During this process, I have gained a greater awareness on how county and state government can protect us from unlawful laws and excessive regulations. It is important for citizens to realize county officials are implementing the laws and regulations passed by the state and federal government.

Intentionally or unintentionally, “We, The People” have allowed an incremental erosion of our liberties. Many of our elected officials have become experts at misinformation and manipulation of the public opinion; bribing voters with our own money or promising things they can never deliver. Yet for some unknown reason, “We the people” keep electing the same type of people expecting different results.

Whenever there is a crisis, the government takes the opportunity to add new layers of federal bureaucracy that have impacted the size and scope of state governments. The results have diminished the role of the individual thereby creating the feeling of hopelessness for many of our citizens.

In retrospect, the federal government has grown to unimaginable size. Instead of the government serving the people, the people are now serving the government. The growing national debt is putting our way of life in peril and we are losing our liberty (freedom & independence).

To protect our liberty we must be vigilant at all times but most of all we must take appropriate action.

Recently a neighbor expressed her appreciation for getting her involved in the political process. Her comments reminded me that I needed a catalyst to get involved. It is my hope sharing my experience will inspire others to get more involved.

To be successful:

1. We must have the desire to accomplish something meaningful.
2. Set meaningful long-term goals and begin to develop a plan of action.
3. Take action by contacting someone with common interests and goals.
4. Attend meetings or workshops to gain additional knowledge.
5. During discussions, allow ideas to flow freely without criticizing or condemning anyone. However, before implementing an idea, team members should select the best idea to meet or exceed pre-determined results. Once the decision is made, support the team to implement the plan of action.
6. Don’t be afraid to tackle big problems.
7. The more positive experience you have, the more your confidence will grow.
8. Take personal responsibility for your part and attempt to do more than is expected.
9. Set reasonable expectations and then exceed them.
10. Help build trust and confidence by communicating honestly in a businesslike manner.

Repeat the words “liberty” and “synergy” daily to remind you we can accomplish more if we work as a team. You are not alone.