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Commitment to Grassroots Democracy

Owen Charles, candidate for Board of Finance, believes that thinking globally and acting locally works. It starts neighbor to neighbor, joining together to foster greater civic engagement to take back the sense of a shared democracy by the people.

Owen formed a local Green Party chapter precisely because of his strong commitment to grassroots democracy. He believes it’s important that citizens have a voice, especially at the local level.

Recently in Madison we lost the opportunity for a potential shoreline arts center at the Academy School largely because the current first selectman undermined the planning and study that had been agreed upon.

Although a partnership had been pursued with enthusiasm by the public and prior town officials, the fact remains that the agreed-upon dialogue with the Shoreline Arts Alliance was discontinued. First Selectman Tom Banisch has not hidden the fact that he favors privatizing this important building, long an institution serving the public good. Owen Charles disagrees with this course of action and believes we should reopen this discussion, as do many in Madison, before an important town landmark is sold to the highest bidder.

Owen is the only candidate for the Board of Finance who has prior experience serving on this board (2007-2009).

Voters have three votes for positions on the Board of Finance. Three Republicans are running and one Democrat. Voting for Owen Charles, a third party candidate, will help ensure critical oversight and increase public input.

I encourage your readers to vote for Owen Charles for Board of Finance on Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Ellen Van Wees

Madison