Who will I vote for this November?

On the TV, radio, newspapers and the internet, we are being bombarded with information for and against every candidate for office. Personally, I’m going to disregard the sound bites and look at what the two parties are doing right here in Amherst to make my decision. The Democrats hold mostly private meetings and bar non-democrats from their public meetings. The Republicans hold a monthly meeting at Joey’s diner and invite everyone. Anne Kuster and Jeanne Shaheen have never answered my emails and letters with anything other than a form letter. Kelly Ayotte has responded to me with letters written to the subject, and in a timely fashion and was more than happy to chat when I bumped into her at a Girl Scout function. Anne Kuster and Jeanne Shaheen have eschewed public forums, including debates for the upcoming election. Kelly Ayotte has come to Amherst for public Q & A sessions at Joey’s. The Republican town chair Mark Vincent, welcomes discussion on any topic, and enjoys people taking an active interest in politics. The Democrat town chair, Graham Smith, cursed me out when I tried to attend their April 17th, 2014 Q & A forum at the town library, and told me I could come back when I registered as a Democrat. I think I will vote for a party that is transparent, welcoming, and open to debate. I’ll dispose of the divisive mindset, and vote to install open, responsive government. I think I’ll vote republican.