To the Editor:

You will need only a few minutes to vote for the contested offices: alternates for the Planning and Zoning Commission and the four members of the Legislative Council in your District.

My choice for P&Z Alternate will be Robert Mulholland, a man of courage.

District 1: New candidates are Keith Jacobs (D) and Peter Giarrantano (D). Incumbent Mike Iassogna is a Man of Courage.

District 2: A tough choice because the Republicans offer three outstanding new candidates as well as incumbent Joseph Borst (R), a Man of Courage who deserves reelection. Newcomers are Patricia Lloda, Stacie Doyle, and Barbara Bloom — all Republicans. No new Democrats.

District 3: Incumbent David Brown (R), a Man of Courage, deserves reelection. Newcomers are Jeffrey Capeci (R) and Daniel Rosenthal (D), who, as son of the first selectman, will have a conflict of interest on some issues.

There are no challengers for all the other offices. No need to spend time voting for candidates who need only one vote to win. Withholding your vote is the only way I know to send a message to the two political parties. Both have failed to provide civic training, workshops to encourage participation in government, attract new residents into government service, and both have kept membership on their town committees too cozy.

People in Newtown are apathetic. Government doesn’t listen, so why bother to vote. There’s nothing we can do! Recently, President Kwasniewski, President of Poland, expressed our frustration best. He said now is “…a time when many people, even in countries with strong democratic traditions, believe that they have no real influence on what happens to them.” (Time, 2005)

Even so — Vote! Let’s send a message.

Ruby K. Johnson

16 Chestnut Hill Road, Sandy Hook                      November 1, 2005