I am a voter, and I listen.

Here's the thing, I am a voter. I listen, I read, I show up to hear what the candidates for office say. I know there were three events at which the citizens of Farmington could show up and hear what the candidates had to say. The Republican ticket only showed up at the last event. I would have loved to hear what they had to say at the October 25th event, where they would have had time to talk about their hopes for the future of Farmington, about how they will unite the community. All I've seen from them is accusations of divisiveness. Mostly aimed at "United Farmington", which based on my understanding of who people are, is bipartisan. I attempted to video statements at the last event, so that voters in Farmington could see what the candidates stand for (I originally wanted to livestream, as I did the debate between Jay and Nancy, but there were technical issues) I tagged United Farmington, Responsible Farmington, the Republicans and the Democrats. United Farmington actually thanked me for trying, at least. (The videos that I got are up and are public, if you want to go look at them). Both the live stream of the debate and the two smaller ones from the Chamber of Commerce event, which are, unfortunately, incomplete.

This election season, I can say that the people who have spoken out and listened, both, are the Democratic candidates. They are not afraid to be seen on camera talking about what they want, and listening to all concerns. I think it is time, in this day and age, for people to vote for a team that, while they are busy, they are also inspired and ready to use current tools to communicate with citizens of Farmington. Who reach out, who are aware of the issues not only of our town, but the greater world around us, and the changes that are happening. I want more than husbands and fathers who like to spend time with their families. I want voices of diversity and transparency. I want vision. We need people who want to include citizens of Farmington in their town government, all citizens of Farmington. We need people who show up. Who can see the problems that do exist in the town, and who are working to improve them in new ways, with modern techniques.

I am wholeheartedly excited and hopeful about the Democratic candidates and their visions for Farmington in a way I have not been for a long time, and I really think they are the way forward. (And for those of you where longevity counts in Farmington, well, some of you know me from the library... I've been here a while, but I've also had connections with Farmington going even further back...)

So vote for inclusion, enthusiasm, transparency, and vision. Vote Democrat. Please. I want to have a good birthday this year (the ninth, if anyone wants to give me wine or chocolate )