— by Ed Sutton —
Here we are; one-half way through the filing period this year for elected offices, and only TWO of 24 positions on which candidates have filed have more than one candidate. There are still many positions for which there are no candidates.
In most cases, the candidates who have filed are the incumbents.
We can do better! We need choices! We need people with new ideas, new perspectives, new energy.
Surely there are brave members of the Islands community who are willing to serve on our collective behalf. Act now while there is still time.
Yes…. that means YOU !
Sorry to disappoint, Ed. But this incumbent just filed for school board.
I’m sure I can still come up with some new ideas, perspectives, and have the energy to do the job. Most importantly, I am willing to listen so my ideas and perspectives are informed.
Thank you Janet, I agree! Many incumbents are intelligent, dedicated, and willing to listen, as you are. Thank you for making this effort to continue your excellent work!
You have missed the point!! I am not criticizing any incumbents. Rather, I am saying that we, the voters, need choices. The incumbent may have great ideas and lots of experience, however, a challenger may have better ideas.
The recent OPALCO election is a case in point. The voters selected an incumbent AND a challenger because they had a choice. A democracy works best when there is an opportunity to debate one’s ideas with someone else!!