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Why don't you run for office? (self.politics)

submitted 4 days ago by absGeekNZ to c/politics

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I'm making the bold assumption, that most people here are not running, in either local body or national elections.

Everyone loves the complain about what "public servants" do. So why not step up and do something about it?

No accusation intended or implied. Just curious.

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[–] Dave 2 points 4 days ago

I'm assuming you mean someone who is good for the country (someone we should want to represent us) and not someone who is good at playing the politics game (Winston Peters being an example of the latter and not the former).

I think a politician needs to be able to answer to their constituents. If someone comes and asks why you voted a particular way you need to have an answer (that is not just the party told me to). This includes being able to explain when you voted for something you didn't agree with because of the party direction. They would need some really good people skills and conflict resolution skills.

I think a good politician should have influence in their party, and influence that party to aim for long term goals even at the risk of not being voted in for the next election. Doing what is right for the country not right for the party.

Outside of that, I think you get into some specific skills for ministers and select committees, etc, that are not necessarily "politician" skills. Prime Minister is another specific skill that is hard to really nail down.

I'm just rambling really, I'm making this up as I go as I don't really know what would make a good politician. I think I'd recognise it when I see it, which I hope will happen within my lifetime 😅