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Requires Serious Candidates

I had one takeaway from the recent political debate held in Westbrook. The majority of candidates are palpably inexperienced. In the races for state senate and state representative, there were four candidates in their 20s (including incumbents) participating [State Senator Art Linares, Jr. (R-36), State Representative Jesse MacLachlan (R-35), and 35th Assembly District candidates Austin Coco (L) and Ian Barron (G)]. None had local-level elective political experience or served in a public service capacity prior to running for state office.

Earning valuable experience for future political aspirations starts with running for and serving on local town boards and committees, working in a teamwork environment, and learning how government works. The experience needed should include a proven track record and life skills derived from business, education, and financial ventures. Viable candidates should own homes and businesses, pay property taxes, and have put children through our school systems.

I can’t vote for candidates who perpetually play the “tax” card while their solar company leverages every available federal and state tax incentive [Linares]. I won’t consider the perennial Green Party candidate [Colin Bennett] and the other two third-party candidates who didn’t contribute a meaningful syllable of substance to the debate.

Our small towns face serious challenges that require serious candidates. There are only two candidates with leadership qualities and a command of the issues. I’ll cast my vote for Democratic 36th State Senate District candidate Norm Needleman and his track record of business success, public service as the first selectman of Essex, and his generosity to the community. I’ll vote for Democratic 35th Assembly District candidate Ellen Dahlgren, chair of the Design Review Board and Administrative Committee of the Planning & Zoning Commission in Clinton. Her extensive and distinguished career in biochemical engineering in the pharmaceutical industry is impressive.

Belinda Jones

Westbrook