These were better days - In the Trump era, Elk Grove politics are transactional

Anyone who follows politics is probably familiar with the famous saying from the late U.S. Representative and Speaker of the House Tip O'Neil, who claimed all politics is local.

While O'Neil's proclamation holds water, we would add another - in the Trump era, Elk Grove Politics are transactional.

Elk Grove voters have seen this the last few elections cycles. Most notably in 2018 when just days after he was part of a mailer for then Elk Grove Mayor Steve Ly's campaign, Ly predecessor, former Mayor Gary Davis, withdrew his support for his long-time, or was thought to be a long-time political ally, and gave his support to Elk Grove City Councilmember Darren Suen who challenged Ly. 

On social media, one person has taken the opportunity to show better days for Ly, and his successor, who won the office last November, Bobbie Singh-Allen. See video of images compiled from a sole social media source who appears to have scoured the platform to show the current and former mayor in better days. 

So while politics continues to be local, we would add that one effect of the Trump era is that it has shown that being transactional can pay off, at least in the short run. And local wanna-be elected officials should remember the elected official who says they will support you today is going to be the first one to stab you in back when it serves their parochial needs.  

Of course, this reminds us of another old saw - if you are in politics and want a true friend, get a dog.

   

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