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07/16/2019 12:00 AMThe upcoming mayoral election is not about whether the Democratic or Republican candidate wins, for what is quite apparent is who ultimately loses.
For if our notorious, decades-old reputation means anything, and it should, then it must be abundantly clear: It is us. All of us are the ones who inevitably suffer.
If low property taxes alone fundamentally determine the sentimental appeal of a community or a neighborhood, then why do East Haven real estate properties not be perceived as equal in allure and value with our neighbors along the Long Island shore?
East Haven’s image, or more succinctly, its reputation is perceived at a level that does not rise to the standard that evokes positive and comforting thoughts. And in that atmosphere, many opportunities for economic progress and social advancement are lost, so should we not commit to erasing that image, if nothing else but to show our shoreline neighbors who we truly are?
We have a government that is inept, insensitive, and corrupt; shallow in depth and insular in its views; and tolerates willful negligence and malfeasance in its ranks. In fact, it glorifies those it likes by giving pay raises.
Beyond that, consider the thousands of dollars we’ve spent defending appalling behavior because we are hostages of our own government. Is that why we pay taxes for?
I view this upcoming election not as a political race but as a fight for the heart and mind of East Haven and beyond. Toward that end, I am running as a petition candidate for the office of the mayor of our town.
And if you believe as I do that we deserve a reputation and an image that comports with who we are as a people, then join me in this noble pursuit; help me, change it.
Oni Sioson is a petitioning candidate for mayor in the November elections.