A careful analysis of the results of the 2020 election makes me feel that the political clout of union endorsements is fading. Despite all of the expensive political ads that unions paid for their chosen candidates, many of the recipients of those ads ended up losing the election.
This reminds me of the late Big Island mayor, Bernard Akana, who refused to receive donations from political groups and successfully won the election by patiently walking the districts to meet his constituents. At times, excessive money spent in an election does not always work. Further, members of different labor organizations are now more informed and independent. They now cast their votes based on issues and qualifications of the candidates.
During the last three weeks before the election, political sign-wavers flooded the intersections of most traveled streets. At times, many feel that these sign-wavers distract the attention of drivers that may cause an accident.
Also, on the fences of popular intersections, banners are hung, and some feel those banners are eyesores. The bad part is those banners remain on those fences days after the election. To avoid this, there should be a law refraining candidates from hanging their banners and to stop sign-wavers from standing on busy intersections, distracting the attention of passing drivers.
The election is over. Now it is time for the losing candidates to think deeply. What went wrong? Did they run their campaigns negatively? Would it be better if they walk around the district to personally meet the voters and ask what their concerns are? Losing sometimes motivates one to strive better next time. At times, losing is a stepping stone for a better future.
To the winners, as well as the losers, it is time to set aside their differences. Both the city and state governments have many problems. The rate of unemployment is high; in fact, Hawaii has the highest rate of unemployment in the nation. The number of homeless people is growing rapidly. To solve this homeless problem, both the city and state must work diligently to build affordable housing not only for the street people, but also for the low-income elderly people.
Further, the prevalence of crimes in some areas of the city must be stopped. The Honolulu Police Department does not have enough manpower to patrol the troubled districts nightly. To solve this problem, more money must be allocated for the HPD.
To make Honolulu great again, the voters hope that the winners pick the members of their cabinet/staff based on merit and competence, not on political affiliation or ethnic background. To Mayor- elect Rick Blangiardi, we wish you good luck. We know the path before you is rough. With strong resolve, patience, and tenacity of purpose, we feel very strongly that you will make Honolulu the envy of other cities in the nation.
Honolulu resident Constante A. Domingo is currently the president of Caregivers Association of Hawaii.
