When we are looking at Federal and State elections we know we have polarizing choices. Extreme Left and Right and Liberal and Conservative candidates can have a great effect on taxes and profound effects on policies that affect us job-wise, internationally, etc. Ridgefield’s local election is another story.
Most of our electable positions should not be greatly affected by political orientation because the position’s responsibilities should create the same goals for all candidates and have somewhat narrow responsibilities. Unfortunately, since one has to run under a party flag, our local election has become extremely divided by party line. Is it possible for the residents to step back and just vote for the best candidate? Is it possible to not post misleading statements and vitriol on social media? Is it realistic to say Democrats are responsible for everything that’s wrong in Ridgefield and nothing that’s right? Does it make sense to say a Democrat would be a better Police Commissioner than a Republican? Shouldn’t both Democrats and Republicans want to protect out wetlands and water supply equally?
How about we vote for the best person for the position? How about we vote against an incumbent where the incumbent is actually responsible for a problem and has the authority to address it (P&Z is responsible for over-development - not the Board of Selectmen)?
In summary, let’s make rational choices and not emotional ones.
