What Do The Candidates Stand For?

To the Editor:

Who is running for the local elections? It seems like election day is closing in and I have no idea what the candidates stand for. What is their opinion on the school system? What is their opinion on traffic problems plaguing Sandy Hook? What is their vision for Fairfield Hills? Who is actually running? What is their background? What is their level of experience? Is anyone running against Herb Rosenthal?

I certainly like to be an informed voter but I am at a loss with the upcoming election. The Town of Newtown wants me to devote 45 minutes of my time to fill out a complicated survey which I am not sure they will even utilize and yet no one has taken the time to inform me on what their platform is. The local coffeehouse, Mocha Java, offered to host a session for the candidates; however both the Democratic and Republican party never RSVPed. If the local candidates are too busy to take time out of their busy day to meet with the public, perhaps I am too busy to take time out of my day to participate in the election process.

It is my responsibility to vote in November. It is my responsibility to participate as much as I can in the local government. However it is their responsibility to educate us, the public, so that we can make informed decisions.

Frankly I am at a loss to actually distinguish Herb from Paul. Regardless of what you think about Matt DeAngelis, at least he had enough courage to take a stand and to be up front about what his beliefs were. Apparently with such an approach you get kicked out of local politics.

I challenge the current group of candidates to have an open forum, to go out and meet local residents. To go to a local coffee house and answer questions. I look forward to their responses.

Jennifer Papa Kanaan

3 Quarry Ridge Road, Sandy Hook                           October 17, 2007