The Wilder School at Virginia Commonwealth University recently held a symposium, led by Wilder School Dean Susan T. Gooden. The subject was “Elections 2024: The Importance of Listening to the People.” Panelists included: Bob Holsworth, managing partner of the consulting firm DecideSmart and founding director of the Wilder School; Larry Sabato, founder and director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics; Dr. Susan Gooden; and Robyn McDougle, associate dean of research and outreach at the Wilder School. They collectively laid out the most vital issues and challenges of the people. The responses from the packed audience demonstrated the need for further discussion regarding an absence of leadership in public service.

We explored a range of topics, including those directly impacting VCU, such as: wasteful spending, restrictions on campus demonstrations and unprecedented inquiries into social equity curricula. Our students in attendance echoed their concern and willingness to demonstrate and demand the necessary changes to ensure their freedom of expression and support for doing what is right. As I have long said, when the “thing” is right, the time is right.

My concluding message at the event summated the situation in which we find ourselves:

Politicians do what is demanded of them, not asked. If they don’t listen, they should not remain in office.

I have long spoken of the need for those appointed to or in elected positions to be accountable and responsible to the people.

Examples of this absence are shown on a ready basis without any correlative explanation to the people. Yet, we are asked to cast our votes for those whose voices are silent.

When I am approached by those asking to be elected, or further advanced, my response is always, “What have you done? What have you tried to do? Why should I vote for you?

There are enough examples of government waste, local, state, and national, that one doesn’t have to go far to provide them. Increased costs for taxpayers with decreased services are consistent detriments that exacerbate the problem.

When estimates as high as $100 million dollars of waste by VCU, a taxpayer-funded institution, are made public, you would expect an immediate and thorough explanation, as the people have clearly demanded.

Yet, there has been NONE.

I know what should be done and what could be done, because I’ve devoted years of my life doing just that.

The people want their phone calls returned, emails answered, and issues addressed, with integrity and transparency. This should be done — not just during election cycles — but on a continuous basis.

The voices of the people must be heard “from the courthouse to the White House.” We have the fullest opportunity to do that, at all levels of government.

The cost of living, the economy, public safety, education, health care, immigration, and more are perennial issues that affect all people. Our problems will not be resolved by elections — only through the performance of those so empowered by the people.

The people, ultimately, speak with their votes. And when those who have been entrusted to represent them fail to do so, elections provide the opportunity for change.

The writer is the nation’s first black elected governor, Virginia’s first black lieutenant governor and a former state senator.