Thank you, Neal for your article.  The state (the country as well) is in political distress; from Chelsea Kent's bird, to barbs between political candidates Trump and Clinton  

It's often been pointed out that to make change in the social determinants of health (jobs, housing, education, health) one needs to vote. Voting is seen as an important measure of civic engagement for communities.  When people are disenfranchised they may not vote but chose to make a difference in the communities they live in through helping each other.  Neighborhood action committees and organizations often start and provide meaningful change in their communities.  It is fluid and responsive in ways that the structure and static nature of government prevent.