LET THE RACE BEGIN
This weekend our local newspapers will be announcing all the candidates for State Office. This will include the State Senate seat and the two State House seats. I am holding off announcing who the Republican party is nominating to allow them to finish their process. They have a Caucus scheduled for Thursday night.

We already can count on Karen Jarmoc and Kathy Tallarita being in the race on the democratic side. It should be an interesting campaign season once the Republicans announce their candidates.

What I really want to talk about is what we as voters should be looking for in a candidate. Soon we will be hearing the issues as presented by each side and we will be asked to cast our vote in November.

But, what should we watch for as we research and study each candidate? What should we expect from the people running to represent us in Hartford? Well, here are a few things.

First, we should look for character. Above everything else we need honest and decent people in office. We all have heard the variety of jokes about the ethics of politicians. It is sad that this vocation has been damaged by law breakers on both sides of the aisle. Character counts. As it stands right now we have people running who have demonstrated good character....let's hope they don't change that impression.

Second, we should look for the person with the greatest understanding of public policy. People representing us should have a good grasp of policies that effect you and me. Simply, we need people who know what we need here in Enfield and are ready to fight for the things that benefit us.


Third, people running should stand above the politics of hate. This goes for their conduct and the conduct of their campaign team. Nothing turns me off more then mud slinging and attacks on character. When I ran two years ago I demanded of my campaign team that no one was to attack Kathy Tallarita in a personal way. We pointed out difference on policies, but we tried our best to take the high road. Kathy and I enjoyed a good , hard fought campaign and we did it without ending up enemies.

Fourth, high work ethics is a must. Although the positions that these people run for are considered part time, they must approach it as a full time job. If you are running to represent people, you should always be available and accessible. There are too many empty seats when the House and Senate are in session. This needs to change and active involvement is crucial to being a good office holder.

Fifth, a candidate running in Enfield needs to reach out during the campaign to all voters. The fact is when campaigns put their strategy together it usually is to target their party and independent voters. After they are elected they have to speak for all of us. Why not reach out to the total population of Enfield during the campaign. Enfield voters are intelligent people. They want to hear from Democrats and Republicans. We have a history of selecting the person over the party. I want to be an educated voter....so I invite all to share their ideas with me.

We have a choice to make come November. Not just for a certain political party, but for the person who is best for the job. We need, as voters, to get out and do our own home work as well. We need to ask the candidates the hard questions on taxes, education, ethics in politics and more.

Best wishes to all who are running and may the best person(s) win.

Greg Stokes