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Offered a Fresh Approach

I write to recognize the brave and energetic campaign of our Republican candidate for first selectman, Ken MacKenzie.

Ken was tireless in meeting as many of our neighbors as he could and listening to their concerns. He offered a fresh approach to relieve taxpayers by implementing efficiencies in our town, while promising no damage to town services or our school system.

Unfortunately the establishment that runs Guilford could not let an outsider upset their plans. Ken was not only the subject of the usual tricks from our Democrat opponents, as was expected, he was also undermined by the leadership of his own party.

From the moment Ken announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination, no opportunity was missed to harm his campaign; they helped elect a Democrat instead.

There has long been talk of a carve-up, a quid-pro-quo between the parties, where the office of first selectman was planned to be passed back to Democrats. I have no proof, but the recent evidence could be seen to support this.

All this of course will discourage other potential challengers to the old guard, and that could well be the intention. For now the establishment is secure, but at least someone tried.

David Roberts

Guilford