At this point political party contributions are recorded and “open” for public review. Here is a Website you should know about to learn more about who makes political contributions. Find out who contributes in your community and you may get a better snapshot about their agenda issues.

Go to http://www.followthemoney.org/ and enter the last name and first name of the person (or business name); this is particularly of interest if you want to see whether candidates for office have made contributions to support their own parties. The presence (or absence) of names may surprise you.

Party Principles

Because the primary elections are history for this year, it is time to look ahead to the general election in November – Tuesday, November 8! (NOTE: If you have not registered to vote, you have until October 10 to do that. Click here for information about how and where to register.)

Each of the major parties supporting candidates for municipal and school district offices in Columbia have listed their “party principles” at their Websites. We encourage you to read through the principles to see how they align with your expectations and your own principles. As representatives of the parties, you may want to speak with candidates to assure yourself that their beliefs and principles are in alignment, too. In our environment, we vote for representatives who will cast their votes on “principles” … principles that match their own but also those of their constituents.

Republican Party Principles

Democratic Party Principles 

Now take time to find out more about the candidates seeking office in Columbia.

• Are they principled?
• Will they follow their principles and vote in the interests of the majority of citizens or will they vote for special interests that benefit the favored few?
• After speaking with those seeking to be your public servants, will they follow the principles of the party?
• Will they follow the constitutions, laws and codes of the United States, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Borough of Columbia and ethical and moral teachings?

Several months ago, we published this article before the primary election; the article contained suggestions about what one might look in a candidate for office. We think it may be worth reading. Good government is everyone’s business … getting the right people into elected “public servant” roles is the start. Let’s get started!

[NOTE: In the interest of disclosure, the principal of Columbia news, views & reviews is registered “independent” and has sent $50 political contributions to the Lancaster County Democratic Committee and the Lancaster County Republican Committee in the name of integrity and transparency in government.]