The Ins-N-Outs of local politics

Maybe some of you have heard about a quick service-restaurant out west called In-N-Out Burger.

They have a very basic menu: You can choose from a hamburger, a cheeseburger or a "double-double." That's it. You won't find chicken sandwiches or burritos. It's strictly burgers, fries and shakes or sodas.

The true legend of the chain can be found in the "secret menu" where you can order a "3 X 3" or a "4 X 4" (think number of beef patties and cheese slices). The regulars know they can order their burger "animal style" or "protein style."

Vacationers, on the other hand, may not know the ordering lingo without connections or a little research in advance. They don't know all of the offerings available to them.

The philosophy isn't quite as endearing in local politics, however, where we'll occasionally see a local leader win an election off the secret menu.

They didn't turn in the nomination papers to appear on a local election ballot. They didn't participate in a town forum, they don't do a radio interview, they didn't fill out a newspaper questionnaire.

This is where it gets tricky, because not all successful write-in candidates were trying to orchestrate a stealth operation. For whatever reason, they may have been coaxed to run after the filing deadline. Supporters may have drafted them into a reluctant candidacy.

Keep in mind, some very good leaders may have come out of this process. It's not those leaders being questioned here. It's the process. That's a very important distinction to make.

But a candidate, reluctant, late-arriving or otherwise, has an obligation in a region like ours. If a large number of people are supporting your bid, make it known to all the constituents you would serve. The opponent who met the filing deadline should know. The news organizations who cover the policy-making process should know.

Those candidates who phone bank and door knock to capture the votes of a friendly face -- and no one else -- are using borderline ethics.

That said, the responsibility doesn't rest solely on the candidates to trumpet their arrival. Too many of us, as voters, see an uncontested race and stay home on election Tuesdays.

It's hard to know if an underground campaign is under way in your city or your ward. If you respect the person who stands alone in an "uncontested race," don't take them for granted.

Vote. Because, even if you don't know the secret menu, it's important to place an order.

Otherwise, you may find yourself hungry.