Yes to common sense, no to dirty politics

The intelligence and common-sense of Farmington voters is being insulted in the lead-up to next Tuesday's election, thanks to United Farmington, a group of carnival barkers masquerading as a "bipartisan" political action committee. United Farmington does not exist to promote solutions to the problems our town faces going forward. It does not exist even to get Democrats elected, let alone Republicans. The explicit purpose of this PAC is to oppose Jon Landry, Justin Bernier, Jeff Apuzzo and Paul Cianci, Republican candidates for town council.

The demonization of political opponents is a precarious first step down a road that can only end in angry and uncompromising entrenchment. Our national political landscape is littered with the destroyed reputations of Republicans and Democrats alike because of unfounded and unfair character assassination. Sadly, United Farmington has brought this poisonous discourse to our little New England town. One is tempted to ask why. A complicated question no doubt, but perhaps the simplest answer is that United Farmington is a new strain of the Yes to FHS crowd, throwing a long, tiresome temper-tantrum after the voters overwhelmingly rejected the FHS building proposal this past June.

In the interests of good citizenship and fairness, we should not lump the Democrat candidates together with United Farmington despite the former's recent unfortunate co-habitation with it. Many of us candidates and officeholders from both sides of the aisle are friends, neighbors and serve together on various commissions and boards in town. We agree on certain things, and we disagree, sharply yet respectfully, on many others. And imperfect humans like us manage to get the business of the town done, year after year. That is why it was as surprising as it was unpleasant to see the Democrats stoop to United Farmington's level in their hit piece in yesterday's mail.

But as all of us go to the polls on Tuesday, and no matter how we vote, we cannot do ourselves the dishonor and the town the disservice of being swayed by United Farmington’s cheap and dirty attacks. I’d like to think we’re all better than this.

So then, what is to be done next Tuesday? Which candidates will best approach these difficult and turbulent times with focused, responsible solutions to the challenges Farmington faces now and in the future? Which candidates can hold the line on taxes, maintain reasonable levels of debt and deliver great services? Which candidates have proven their ability to stand up to powerful interests in town? I think the answer is clear, and I'd ask you to join me in supporting the Republican ticket next Tuesday, November 7th. The polls are open from 6am to 8pm.

David M. Houf

Unionville, CT

TPZ Candidate (endorsed by the Farmington Republican Town Committee and Responsible Farmington)