Submitted by Town Council Candidate Deb Paul
**Prepare to Vote!**
In the days leading up to the election, we hope you will take the time to listen to candidates, read their statements, and ask them questions about the issues that matter to you.
The March election does not include State or National candidates, which traditionally leads to lower voter turnout. However, it is important to remember that your vote has a much greater impact on local government races than it does at the State or federal level.
Equally important are the warrant articles on both the town and school ballots. These may include the school budget, requests for funding, citizen petitions, and other community needs. When evaluating town and school requests, consider your own finances; can you afford it? Is it a necessity or a luxury? Is it something you can postpone, or would that lead to greater costs in the future?
If you don’t understand what you’re being asked to approve, seek out the information. The right to vote is crucial, but it carries the responsibility to understand the issues at hand. Your vote should not be swayed solely by the opinions of the budget committee or your neighbors. Remember to differentiate between needs and wants on the ballot. Choose wisely.
Candidates have been asked why they are seeking office, and warrant articles have been reviewed and discussed in this paper for several weeks. Please take the time to read and understand the full impact of each article, even if it may not affect you this year. Consider the implications for future years as well, and do not overlook how officials vote on each item.
Regarding union contracts, have you read them? If a contract covers just one year, its costs may be clear. However, most contracts are for three to five years. Ensure you understand the costs associated with each additional year; although you won’t get another chance to vote on it in the future, the expenses will be included in the overall budget and reflected in your tax bill. There may be additional costs in the contract beyond raises and salary adjustments. Do your own homework.
Get the full picture. The choice is yours, and each article presents both pros and cons. It’s beneficial to listen to both sides and read the actual documents instead of relying solely on someone else’s interpretation.
Many people take pride in their patriotism. One of the best ways to express this patriotism is by heading to the polls and making informed choices.
For your own benefit and the good of the community, be informed, and please vote on March 11.
Town Council Candidate Deb Paul