Supervisor’s Letter to the Citizens of the Brcko District

Dear citizens of Brcko District,   

On October 2nd the first local elections since the founding of the District in March of 2000 will be held. 

These elections are different from elections in municipalities because of Brcko’s status inBosnia and Herzegovina .

The authorities that you elect will be making decisions which will have a direct impact on your life – decisions which elsewhere are made at the Canton, Entity or State level – because responsibilities of the Brcko District authorities broader than those of municipalities.

I am sure that you know that these elections are important.  Whether you see voting as an opportunity or as a responsibility, either way, it is your future that we are talking about – so vote for it. 

We have a saying in America – “bad politicians are the ones who are elected thanks to the citizens who don’t vote.”   So even if the choices seem difficult, you can’t afford not to make them. 

  • Ask yourself – is my life better today than is was four years ago?
  • What do I want my life to be like four years from now?

All previous Supervisors and I myself hope that there will be a strong turnout in Brcko District’s first elections.  Why?

Because a big turnout will send a clear message that you, the citizens, care about the District, about what kind of government you have, and that you will hold the elected Assembly and Government accountable for what it accomplishes  — or fails to accomplish.

Until now, the Supervisor has been selecting your leaders from candidates proposed by the political parties of the District.

On October 2 the opportunity and the responsibility will rest with you – to elect those you think will serve you best and are best qualified to lead you forward and build the kind of community you hope for.

It would be unfair to say that there have not been achievements and clear progress since the war. 

  • Today people of all nationalities and religions live in harmony in Brcko District.
  • You have good schools, better health care, better infrastructure and a stronger economy than almost anywhere in Bosnia Herzegovina – and even better prospects for the future.  Don’t wait for others to make decisions for you.  

Each of you will have your own priorities for the coming four years, but from what I hear from you – the top priorities for the coming years include

  • Jobs with decent wages
  • Social justice
  • Honest, effective government, and
  • A greener, lighter, cleaner Brcko District.

The Supervisor’s job does not end with these elections.

We – OHR and the International Community – can help you restore infrastructure, e.g. houses, buildings, schools, roads, but ONLY YOU CAN RESTORE THE SOUL OF BRCKO DISTRICT.

We are doing our part – please join us and do yours – vote on Saturday for your future, for a better future.

Thank you and I wish you all the very best

 

Susan R. Johnson