Earlier, this blog published David Karr's campaign video where he lays out his election platform for the Board of Selectmen ticket. We did so because he so strongly believes in government transparency and accountability, the central themes of our Sunshine Week postings.
We applaud that Mr. Karr has articulated a clearly expressed platform as a candidate, and has placed it on his website and beyond. This is for two reasons: first, that he has made his platform tangible for the voters. Second, because he has stayed clear of exercising his personal views on substantive issues that are within the domain of Town Meeting to decide, not the Selectmen. Instead, he has kept his platform focused on process issues, which are within the realm of Selectmen.
We'd hope to see something equivalent on the other candidates' websites. Because in these important times, we need to make election choices very carefully. Therefore, statements that one has had experience on Town boards is nice, but simply not enough for voters. The community needs to make the best informed decision possible. Voters really need to know more.
Surely we are at a juncture where change is needed throughout our country -- both given our many, complex problems, and in response to massive changes that already have taken place in our economy -- and which will continue into the unknown future. So, too, will change be needed in how we conduct Town business. Clearly stated platforms about this very subject from all candidates would help us make this decision. Voters really need know more.
We need to better understand what all the candidates believe need to change -- and what needs to be preserved -- in how the Town functions. Just the types of change that are within the Selectman's power to champion. Voters really need to know more.
Some argue that candidates with long experience as committee/board members will only perpetuate the problems we already need to address in our Town government. How does each candidate believe they will be part of the solution and not part of the problem? Voters really need to know more.
Over the next three years, what are the most important goals accomplish? What has already been accomplished by the candidates in the area of improved government while in public office? Voters really need to know more.
What's really vital here is that everyone offering such statements means that the election focuses on THE CHALLENGES AT HAND -- something we have in great abundance, and that voters just cannot ignore. At this time, we cannot afford to make any aspect of elections as less than truly important.
Back to the issues of Sunshine Week: articulating such views actually furthers the interests of government transparency and accountability for the two candidates who will be elected. Citizens hold those elected accountable for their their accomplishments and conduct in office; clearly understanding their intentions as candidates helps in this process.
There's still time to remedy this. And voters really do need to know.
We applaud that Mr. Karr has articulated a clearly expressed platform as a candidate, and has placed it on his website and beyond. This is for two reasons: first, that he has made his platform tangible for the voters. Second, because he has stayed clear of exercising his personal views on substantive issues that are within the domain of Town Meeting to decide, not the Selectmen. Instead, he has kept his platform focused on process issues, which are within the realm of Selectmen.We'd hope to see something equivalent on the other candidates' websites. Because in these important times, we need to make election choices very carefully. Therefore, statements that one has had experience on Town boards is nice, but simply not enough for voters. The community needs to make the best informed decision possible. Voters really need to know more.
Surely we are at a juncture where change is needed throughout our country -- both given our many, complex problems, and in response to massive changes that already have taken place in our economy -- and which will continue into the unknown future. So, too, will change be needed in how we conduct Town business. Clearly stated platforms about this very subject from all candidates would help us make this decision. Voters really need know more.
We need to better understand what all the candidates believe need to change -- and what needs to be preserved -- in how the Town functions. Just the types of change that are within the Selectman's power to champion. Voters really need to know more.
Some argue that candidates with long experience as committee/board members will only perpetuate the problems we already need to address in our Town government. How does each candidate believe they will be part of the solution and not part of the problem? Voters really need to know more.
Over the next three years, what are the most important goals accomplish? What has already been accomplished by the candidates in the area of improved government while in public office? Voters really need to know more.
What's really vital here is that everyone offering such statements means that the election focuses on THE CHALLENGES AT HAND -- something we have in great abundance, and that voters just cannot ignore. At this time, we cannot afford to make any aspect of elections as less than truly important.
Back to the issues of Sunshine Week: articulating such views actually furthers the interests of government transparency and accountability for the two candidates who will be elected. Citizens hold those elected accountable for their their accomplishments and conduct in office; clearly understanding their intentions as candidates helps in this process.
There's still time to remedy this. And voters really do need to know.
