Election Day

OK, it's not Barry versus Willard or even Lizzie versus Scottie, and I know you think that any election that doesn't call for your expertise on the Greek Debt Crisis or North Korean Nuclear Proliferation is beneath your dignity, but today you should be going to the polls in Easton. I also know there is only one contested race and two chances to write in Bart Simpson for Finance Committee, but let me argue that today's election matters.

Why? Well, for one thing the North Koreans aren't nuking Easton anytime soon, but the Board of Selectmen does things that effect your life all the time. Concerned about teenage drinking? Well, the Board of Selectmen has a good track record of taking people who sell booze to minors to task. Want to see Main Street revitalized? Our Board of Selectmen is on it. Want to grab some cash from the state and federal government? There they are again. You got a big pothole on your street? Who ya gonna call, Senator Brown?

Town government is our government. If you forget to vote in the Presidential Election, chances are good that Barack Obama will still get Massachusetts electoral votes, but if you fail to vote in a town election, strange things can happen. Remember Pat Goodman won his current seat on the Finance Committee with three or four write-in votes.

Dennis Sheedy and Colleen Less are dedicated Easton residents who I have served with on the CPA Committee. Colleen has also been a Selectman and Dennis has served on the Housing Authority for many years. You would think that all they have to do is show up and vote for themselves, but their hard work deserves your support!

I have recently met Jennifer Nichols from the Board of Health and know that she is really concerned about making Easton a healthy community. As chair of the Board of Health she wants you to eat your vegetables and as chair of the Agricultural Commission I want you to pay a farmer in Easton to buy those veggies so watch for joint projects at the Farmer's Market or the new Community Gardens.

In the past Walter Galas has helped his wife Lisa coach the OA Mock Trial Team. They did a great job and were really helpful. As town moderator I haven't always agreed with his decisions about things like hand raising, but I feel that I could always go and talk to him. Do you really think Barack or Mitt is going to personally listen to your views on North Korea?

All the unopposed people are dedicated public servants and deserve your vote.

I have already weighed in on the Selectman's race, but want to add one more thing. I have heard that Dan Murphy is considering a run for State Representative to fill the seat of Ms. Creedon. Redistricting has made this an attractive proposition with Easton having about as many votes in the district as Brockton. Don't know if Dan will run, but I want to make it clear that that is not a reason to pass him by today. You can be a Selectman and still hold the position of State Representative under state law. In fact, it would be beneficial to Easton to have Mr. Murphy in both positions. So I'm standing by the incumbents in the one contested race.

So don't forget to vote today, and you won't have to answer any embarrassing questions the next time I see you. Yup, write that down I'm using threats to get you to vote.