Politics 101?

I never bothered with Politics, elections or voting. I cannot remember when I registered to vote, it sure wasn't at age 18. It was more recently. I, like some, felt why bother? My one vote doesn't matter. My voice couldn't possibly ever be heard by the people who run our government? I always looked at government as federal, Washington DC. Never really thought about local Politics and how it all works anyway. Seemed too confusing, one would most definitely have to be a lawyer or scholar to possibly understand how our government works? And, again, the little people don't matter, so why bother? Life goes on, family to raise, a life to live.

What changed?

Social Media is what changed. Being on social media more, I learned more. More about our town, state and country. And the more I learned, the more I didn't like what I saw. It started with Fino pool, an insignificant pool in a small, new england town, a pool. A pool, the pool, the only one I remember from childhood other then an old friend of the family who had an in-ground pool I almost drown in, but was saved by my aunt. I still loved swimming, even after that awful experience at age 4 or 5. Being raised by a single mother, who worked endless days and weekends just to keep a roof over our head, daycare was the only option. Off to Mother Hubbard's for the summer. What is a daycare to do in the summer with all of those hot, sticky, energetic kids? This was before the daycare had pools put in on their property. Bring them to Fino! Only a short walk away from the School St. daycare that is still here today. Back then it was run By Dottie and Dickie Hubbard, if I remember correctly? She was a sweetheart of a grandmother looking woman and Dickie was the man, the cook , our protector ( 8yo minds are great, aren't they?). We would walk down to Fino a few times a week, we would even have lunch and get to play! It was a reprieve much needed and welcomed. It's one of the few childhood memories I have, daycare and Fino pool. The drop of my heart into the pit of my stomach when I read the post on social media. I cannot remember the exact words, I was so in shock. They went something like "Fino in need of $6M in repairs, to close for a water slide park", something of that nature. I immediately shared it to one of the local Facebook groups. Surely others must know what they are planning to do to Fino? The comments and responses where generally of outrage as well. Before I knew it, Save Fino was started. With that came my first Parks Comm meeting, which snowballed into a last minute effort to become a Town Meeting Member. Me? Me who couldn't care less about politics and thought I would never understand politics let alone be involved. I won my seat, it helped that my precinct had open slots and I had a few loyal followers who liked what I was doing and wrote me in . Why weren't more people running for Town Meeting Member? Surely they want to be part of our towns government? Almost overnight it seemed, I went from not caring to caring too much. I may have taken things to the next step by starting Save Fino and running for TMM, but others don't have to take it that far. Knowing who is making the decisions for our town, knowing what's going on and who's doing what is important, a lesson I learned late in life, but learned. You do not have to run for election or be active with any party to be a part of the political process. Knowledge IS power and with the internet and social media, it is easier then ever to catch up on local news, town news, political news.

Last town elections turnout was very disappointing and troubling, and it was the first time in my life I voted. Yes, the first time. I would have been ashamed to admit that a few months ago, now? Now I share it for all of those like myself, who have never voted or only vote during big elections. Our local elections matter too, more so because you may not have the backing to run for any seat in washington, but you DO have a shot at winning a seat or just making a difference by voting. You, we, have more of a say in what goes on in our town then you would think. Our Town Meeting Member process, although a work in progress, is a good one and one where voters have a say. Your one vote does matter and your voice can be heard.

We have elections coming up and the big race locally is for State Rep. Current State Rep, Brian Murray will be seeking re election and Mrs. Sandra Slattery Biagetti makes another attempt for the seat. Their last race was a close one. Both candidates are very local, born and raised, Mrs. Biagetti works for a local insurance agency and Mr. Murray was a local town attorney before being elected as State Representative, both also have a loyal following. What a better time to start to get involved and learn about politics, as when it hits home?

If you have never voted before or think politics are too complicated? If you think your voice doesn't matter to these candidates or that your voice won't be heard? How about this election? Choose this local election to get involved. Get to know the candidates, know what they stand for, where they stand on issues that involve you, your family and your needs. Both candidates will be hosting a slew of events this election season, take advantage of it to learn, ask questions, then vote and be heard!