All Politics is Local

Former Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill declared, “All politics is local.”  “He was explaining how the problems and concerns of towns and cities around the country affect the actions of their representatives and senators in Washington, D.C. But every election day, local politics takes center stage in another way — as voters choose candidates to represent them at the state, city, and community levels. These races for public office usually do not depend on huge campaign budgets, prime time television ads, or highly publicized debates. Instead, they use more basic approaches and give a vivid picture of democracy in action” (http://www.riverdeep.net/current/2000/10/103000_politic.jhtml)

At the Democratic Recognition Gala last week, Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman was telling the crowd about her various positions in government and how she was able to “maneuver a grocery store.”  She said that when she was a State Representative a few people would recognize her and say hi. When she was the State Comptroller, fewer people would recognize here, but she’d get some looks as people knew her face. But it was when she was on the Tolland Board of Education that the milk would go sour before she could get out of the store!

What I’m saying is, is that local elected officials and the municipal elections are a very important facet of any town, especially the Town of Monroe. It is the local elected officials that make the budget, determine the property tax rate, know the finances of the town (Board of Finance), and are the education system of the town (Board of Education), review applications for zone changes and other planning and zoning matters (Planning & Zoning) among many other tasks. 

Obviously, the sales tax rate, income taxes, healthcare, the postal service etc. have large impacts on our life. Meaning, the State and Federal levels of government clearly matter as well; however, it is in the town government that I believe the most day to day functions are accomplished. 

With just over a month to go until the election, I would encourage all of you to get out and vote. I’m saying this now because for those of you who aren’t become educated about the candidates, ALL the candidates - know who you are voting for.  Ultimately, whatever party you are affiliated with — Republican, Democrat, Green, Progressive or no party at all — please vote!  This is an important election and will shape the future of our town.  The Federal government is made up of Representatives and Senators who represent districts and states which made up of towns. It all starts with the town. With the recent — and what I’m sure is never ending — political rhetoric flying around, I can only hope that you, the voters, you, the people who are affected by an election, do not become apathetic. Voting in a municipal election, I believe, is the most important vote you can cast, so please cast that vote! If you were always planning on voting, thank you!!!

We need people who are intelligent, logical, and passionate about the direction of our town.  We need people who are willing to question the majority (whatever party it may be!) and people who are dedicated to serving his or her constituents.  We need people who are willing to take up the torch of public service for the greater good. We need people who can work together, identify problems and more importantly come up with agreeable solutions. I believe I can accomplish these tasks. This is why I am running for Town Council. 

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns at kapoorn555@gmail.com and I hope I can count on your vote on November 8^th.  Remember, “All politics is local!”