By Ryan Turner
On her 1986 breakout album “Control,” Janet Jackson asked an important question that remains a staple of our cultural lexicon: “What Have You Done for Me Lately?”
At first listen, it was a simple question layered over an energetic beat. But the question she was asking was more complex. Janet was calling out complacency. A man who once pursued her and won her affection stopped showing effort. He got comfortable. He assumed past performance guaranteed future loyalty.
Sound familiar?
As Election Day approaches, I keep hearing Janet’s question in my head, not just for other candidates on the ballot, but for myself too. Yes, I’m running in District 41. But I write this first as a son of Baltimore.
Our city stands at a turning point. Baltimore is building momentum. Crime is decreasing. Development is growing. Communities are organizing. People still believe this city can become safer, stronger and more equitable.
But progress only lasts when voters demand it.
Too many of us put elections on autopilot. We vote for familiar names, faces or slogans without fully interrogating whether those individuals are still delivering for the people they serve. Familiarity does not automatically equal commitment to community interest. Longevity in office is not the same thing as impact.
So voters need to ask harder questions.
If someone already holds office, what have they actually delivered lately? What vote did they cast that improved your daily life? Did they help lower costs? Improve schools? Increase public safety? Expand opportunity?
Not rhetoric. Not hashtags. Not photo ops. Results.
And new candidates should face scrutiny too. A campaign speech means very little without a track record of service. Before someone gets a title, what have they already done for the community? Who have they helped when no election was on the horizon?
Research your ballot. Study records. Ask questions. Challenge assumptions. Make politicians earn your trust instead of automatically receiving it.
Your vote is not a favor you give politicians. It is leverage.
Use it. Take your vote off autopilot. Take control. For all voters.
The opinions expressed in this commentary are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the AFRO.
