Can Make a Difference
Although there’s no contest in the upcoming election for selectmen, there is a candidate whose election can make a difference. Owen Charles is a third-party candidate for Board of Finance, and promises to increase public input. If elected, he’ll alter the balance of power in town government. At the local level, we need political parties that represent the public interest instead of serving private ends. That is why he formed the local chapter of the Green Party.
Owen hopes to nip in the bud lapses in following established process by working collaboratively and seeking greater public participation through surveys, forums, and solicitation of input. He has pledged to ensure we do not sell off Academy school to the highest bidder for luxury condos, but make careful decisions to use it for public good.
There are important decisions pending for Madison. Having known Owen for many years, I know that he will stand behind his promise to ensure that the voices of people in Madison are heard in these matters. To that end, he’s advocating establishing an ethics board to reduce conflicts of interest.
In these times, when issues that divide us can be a source of incivility, Owen has a track record and the drive to foster civic and civil engagement.
There are three Board of Finance member positions open. I encourage your readers to consider the value of making Owen, as the Green Party candidate, one of their choices; adding a third party to the mix will help ensure balance and proper public input. So I hope voters don’t sit out this November’s election: even though there’s no contest for selectman, they can still shake things up and let their voice be heard by voting for a new third-party candidate: Owen Charles for Board of Finance.
Cynthia Morin
Madison