D. Langeveld's 6-4-10 article in the Sun Journal, "Paris Candidates Focus on Finance," offers some good information for the local election in Paris Tuesday June 8th.
It is critical that Paris voters not take the privilege of voting for granted. If nothing else, this last year in Paris has brought home the need for close observation - even intervention - by voters, to monitor private agendas.
Private agendas, personal grudges, opportunities for grand standing, and indulging in power trips are the alter egos of:
*awareness of, interest in, and understanding of public concern;
*continuing, thorough examination of accurate facts;
*honest, open discourse;
*a good, responsible judgment process that reflects not just the individuals on the selectboard, but the wishes of the people who voted them into office.
It is only with the constant scrutiny of voters that this sometimes delicate balance can be kept in check.
This is a small town; elected officials and those they represent, alike, all walk the same streets, use the same municipal resources, breathe the same air. We do not expect to be told what is good for us and therefor what we should do - and, in fact, what they have decided they are going to do for us.
Rather, we expect our elected officials to remember we are a team. We are responsible for telling them what we think and supporting them - or not; and they are responsible to us, and need to listen.
Remember to vote on Tuesday June 8. Bring your friends. Never mind that some local choices are uncontested - candidates need to be aware of what voters think. Tell them.
