Bulldog or Lapdog

“Mr. Proud, how are you going to handle the pressure of being the only one to vote for or against something when everyone else is voting differently?  In other words, are you going to be a bulldog for us or a lapdog for the mayor and council?”  This is a question that has come up several times by a number of people during my campaign. At first hearing this I thought they were asking if I was too nice a guy to be a political candidate. However, after discussing this further, I realized these folks were expressing their disappointment in past elected leaders who promised to do one thing when wanting their votes, but behaving entirely differently after being elected. Why do elected officials abandon their promises and commitments once they occupy the leather chairs of power?  

There are two possible reasons that could cause an elected official to flip from a clearly held position on an issue during the campaign to an opposite one after being elected. The most commonly provided reason many politicians give for breaking a promise is the “I didn’t know how bad things are" or "I didn’t have the information I have now” excuse. On the surface this appears to be a valid and logical argument, especially when an unexpected and previously unknown situation arises. However, when a person is in a leadership position, whether it be overseeing flood control or managing a new city government, it is his or her responsibility to be aware of all possible future events and to have contingency plans in place. Thus, when making pronouncements of a position or a promised action, the political candidate should temper them with realistic knowledge of what the future could bring.

The second reason that politicians break their promises is their lack of a set of core principles or values by which they live their lives. I am talking about people who stick their finger in the wind to ascertain which way the wind blows and would be most favorable to their personal benefit. They do not have a moral compass or yardstick or internal guide to measure an issue to determine an action or decision. Their guide is what is convenient or easy or profitable at the time of decision.  When they arrive in the board room or council chamber they are like teenagers. They want to be accepted and they succumb to the pressure of their new peers. The noise of the campaign and voices of their constituents are far away. New voices are in their ears and they become confused. They change their positions and votes often. They go along to get along.

 I was taught that a man is only good as his word. I learned that I had to earn trust by living up to my promises. I learned not to make promises that I knew I could or would not keep. My core values and principles reflect what is enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and the words of my creator. When I take a position or make a commitment, it is based on who I am, what I believe and on the faith and trust of my constituents. Yes, I try to be a cooperative and cordial person in all I do. I want to help solve tough issues through compromise and negotiation. However, after I lay my yardsticks down and measure the issue and it comes up short, I am resolved in my response and decision. I definitely am not someone’s lapdog. When it comes to my constituents and my promises, you could say I am more like a lovable Georgia bulldog.

My name is David Proud and I would be grateful for your consideration as your Post 3 City Council Representative of Peachtree Corners.  For more information on me and my background visit my website at  www.davidproud.com