As the clouds from the storm known as the Presidential elections gather nationally, right here there are some smaller but equally important rumblings to take note of. Term limits are kicking in and a number of familiar names will no longer be eligible to hold office in the city government. Many invariably will run for something else. Some will do so to continue serving the community, while others to continue serving themselves.

I don’t choose to draw attention to them just yet since their records in public service are
set. I want you to take interest in the new blood that is boiling to take power in the new political infrastructure of our community and city. They are business people, activists, political understudies, regular folk and yes there are even some crackpots.

This is the time to be vigilant since many of these people you don’t know. Some are young, some older, some have political Jedi masters some are rebels on their own.

They will all be out after your vote. If they haven’t shaken
your hand at Jamaica station
yet they will soon.

My main point here, and I’ll get right to it, is to NOT allow yourself to be influenced by the Dinosaur that roams this county, putting its old prints on everything political. I’m referring to the Queens Democratic Party machine. It sits on high and anoints those whom it sees fit to assume power.

They take away your choice by blocking the "democratic" process by blocking petitions and challenging ballots. What they should be doing with the energy and money needed to do that is sponsor debates and speaking forums that would allow you the people to choose for yourselves who is the best person for the job.

There is a unique opportunity that is that hasn’t been around for a while here. It is the opportunity for political parity in the City Council. The big names of the good ole boy and girl network will soon be out of work. Over the next few years, tenacity, personality, and skill will decide who gets what from City Hall. Since most of the new people won’t know each other, deals that compromise your share of the pie won’t be happening just yet.

All the new bloods will be scrapping to make an impression on their constituents and their colleagues. Each will bring with them, their real life experiences to deal with real issues of government. That is what the framers had in mind when they put our political system together. Like a jury, you go you serve and then you go home or you move up the ladder to serve in a larger capacity. It wasn’t designed to give lifetime employment to people who hold the jobs simply because voters didn’t know who the opponent was at election time.

With that said, you should take the time to check these people out since we’ll only get one shot. Also with that said, we will do our best here to bring you the resumes of all these folk so that you can read about them right here. I could mention some names right now but that would be unfair, since it instantly requires me to give them all equal time.

But don’t let any mention of a candidate on the Press’s part, influence you unduly either. There is a reason I call this stream of consciousness "1 Perspective". It, like yours, carries the weight of only one point of view. But one, two or only a few linked opinions could decide these smaller races. That is why being informed and acting on the information will be very critical for SEQ.

In the coming weeks, think of some things that are important to you. If you walk by one of these candidates, (and you will if they want the positions) surprise them by asking them a simple question you’d like an answer to. See if he or she waffles and stumbles or if they have an answer. It will take 30 seconds, and you’re probably either early or late anyway. If we do enough of that, it will help make the process purer. They don’t get a pass because "So and so" says they should get the job. We didn’t get our gigs that way, so why should they? Think about it.

— Gary Anthony Ramsay is a weekend anchor and
journalist on the all-news cable station NY1
and a long-time resident of Queens.