WE’RE COMING TO YOUR DOOR


In a few weeks candidates for Town Council and Board of Education will be knocking at your door to seek your vote. This is the most important part of campaigning because it puts us face to face with you the voter.

Every two years you get to decide who leads our town and school operations. The process first begins with the nominating of the candidates, which was done in July. Then the endorsed candidates sit down and plan our strategy and platforms.

Then comes the first day of walking the town and communicating our plan to the citizen in whom we hope to represent. This is where you the taxpayer get to interview the people running for office.

Therefore, what should you be looking for of a candidate and what should we be ready to account to you the voter?

First, you should ask about our background and, why that background makes us a good selection for office. Life experience is a vital tool in understanding the needs of the average person who works hard for their money. Where we have been is a good indication of where we are going.

Second, you should ask what involvement we have had in the community. Have we served in Public Office before, have we volunteered in our town, do we serve on Boards or Commissions? Before running for office candidates need to have been involved already in the bettering of our community.

For example, I serve on the Board of Assessment Appeals in Enfield. This past year reevaluation has been the big issue and it has affected you the taxpayer. I have seen first hand the tax burden on our community and understand fully that many families are at their “tax limit.”

Third, ask what we will do different if placed in the majority on the Town Council and Board of Education. What will we do to keep taxes in check, while offering programs that you depend on as residents of Enfield?

Forth, ask about issues that concern you. Now, we the candidates will have a set platform as we approach your door. However, there may be an issue that we have not been made aware of prior to ringing your doorbell.

We may not be prepared to give an intelligent answer at that time, but you should expect us to investigate the issue and call you back in a timely manner. Being a candidate does not mean we know everything, but our job as elected office holders is to communicate back to you the answer.

The answer should also be the truth, not just political jargon to gain your vote. You may not agree with the answer, but we hope you appreciate the effort to be honest about the issue.

Fifth, there is a don’t when it comes to campaigning. Please do not ask us to personally attack or demean the character of our opponents. Yes, I have been asked questions about my opponents in the past with question designed to bate me into negative discussion.

We all have our strengths and weaknesses. Candidates have made mistakes and some have even made the papers for the problems in their lives.

The personal issues are up to you to decide on and judge the merit. We, as candidates, should stay focused on the issues that concern your well being. Our attention needs to be on how to make Enfield the best place to live and do business.

I complement anyone who jumps in the political arena. Whether Republican or Democrat these people feel that they have something to offer and run to make your community better.

We may not agree how that is done, that’s why we have two party’s running. Nevertheless, we all want to serve you the residents of Enfield with energy and enthusiasm.

I believe the Republicans offer a great slate of candidates this year. Not, because we offer super natural solutions, but because of our underlying principle of lower taxes and prudent leadership of the offices we are seeking.

So, we’re coming to your door soon. So get ready to ask us what you want to know and we will do our best to answer your questions.

I’m Greg Stokes and I am running for your Board of Education.