On May 4, 2019, the voters for the town of New Fairfield passed education and town budgets that were the collective efforts of the BOS, BOE and the BOF.

Thank you to those who came out and voted that day!

Roughly 1355 NF folks cast ballots in this latest election, out of approximately 9859 eligible voters.

We would like to address all the eligible voters of this town who decided that the American responsibility to vote in local, (and often national elections), was not a priority.

THE TURN OUT WAS LESS THAN 14% That is as pathetic, as it is an obvious erosion of American values and responsibilities. New Fairfield is unfortunately a microcosm of what is happening in America.

Everyone can miss a vote occasionally. Things happen. However, an engaged, responsible electorate, missing the occasional vote, should result in a turnout of 86%, as opposed to 14%.

“I do not know the issues or the facts concerning the budget.” Not knowing the issues or the facts, might be an explanation, but hardly an excuse for not voting. You do not have to be an expert on the budget. But you must put forth enough effort to cast an informed vote for which you are comfortable. All three boards schedule and hold meetings regularly, in order that the public be informed during the budget development process. You can attend meetings in person, watch via cable TV, or read the minutes of those meetings which are posted on the respective board websites for your reading pleasure (seasonally, this could cut down your time on Facebook, Game of Thrones and Sport Center, among others, but this is important stuff we are talking about.). The Town Tribune reports regularly and effectively on the budget and its development throughout the budget season.

“I did not have the time.” Find the time. End of discussion.

“The efforts of the government alone will never be enough. In the end the people must choose, and the people must help themselves.” – John F. Kennedy

“I was out of town”. It happens. But let’s try to make certain that it does not happen again. Familiarize yourself with the ABSENTEE BALLOT. The good folks at Town Hall will be happy to run through that process for those who embrace their responsibility to vote.

“I do not vote if things seem OK and I have no problem with past outcomes”. This is an unfortunate position. If you like what is happening, you need to create some separation from those who might be lazy, indifferent or just do not care. Let your “yea” or “nay” on how things are going be validated through your vote.

“The death of democracy is not likely to be an assassination from ambush. It will be a slow extinction from apathy, indifference, and undernourishment.” – Robert M. Huchins

The explanations (not excuses), for not voting go on and on. Habitual bad voter turnouts have been tolerated and accepted for too long. We hope the non-voters choose not to be offended by our opinions, but instead self-reflect and consider engagement.

This incredibly noble human experiment that we call The United States of America, with a 240-year history to rival all others, requires its electorate be informed and engaged to provide the collective genius necessary to continue our pursuit of “a more perfect union”.

This coming fall will feature not only elections for many public officials, but also present an opportunity for the folks of New Fairfield to vote on a significant school building project involving the construction of two new school buildings. It is now time to familiarize yourself with the scope, costs and proposed educational benefits of this undertaking.

Vote! Vote! Vote! Choose to be part of the solution and not part of the problem!

Because…. Special interests thrive in a low voter turnout environment! But those who turn out and vote deserve to carry the day!