Dear NFIB/Oregon members,
Beginning in 1845, the United State Congress officially made “the Tuesday next after the first Monday in the month of November” the day that Americans across the country would cast their ballots for federal-elected offices.
As a matter of convenience and frugality, most state and local elections are also held on this day.
Practical reasons notwithstanding, the decision to decide our most contentious political battles right before the annual holiday season was a stroke of pure genius.
What better way to heal the divides of a heated political campaign season than a little holiday cheer?
It’s very easy to think of Election Day as the end – the end of the campaign season, the end of a presidency, and nearly the end of another year. Voters did their civic duty in November. However, our system of government works best when citizens stay active and engaged in making sure their representatives are held accountable year-round. Elections are only the beginning of the process.
The real work is still ahead of us – and there is much to do, especially during Oregon’s 2017 legislative session.
But before we embark on that daunting journey forward, be sure to take a moment and enjoy this brief window of time that is the holiday season, a season characterized by a spirit of giving in nearly every cultural tradition.
Undoubtedly, we have earned a brief respite from all the political rhetoric and posturing and there will be plenty of time for that in the coming months and years.
Hopefully, those who we have elected to public service will do the same, and by the time the new congress is sworn in, the new president takes office, and the Oregon Legislative Assembly reconvenes, they will all be ready to get to work with a renewed optimism for the future of our state and our country.
Happy Holidays – and thank you for your support this year,
Anthony K. Smith
NFIB/Oregon State Director
