I was so excited the first time I was allowed to vote in a presidential election when I voted for John F. Kennedy. It was 1962. He was handsome, dynamic, optimistic and Catholic. I am embarrassed to admit that I knew very little about his politics and had little understanding of the nuances of an election and the importance and value of my vote.
In 2024, the situation is reversed. I’m older, wiser, and bombarded with more information than I need to know. Today’s candidates have to offer me more than just their looks, sweet words, or catchy slogans. This year, I’ll explore their social media pages, attend debates and presentations, meet them in person, and ask them lots of questions about the issues and values that matter most to me.
There are several vacancies on the Westerly School Board and City Council in November. This is a critical time when local government is under pressure from many sides. Our goal as a community must be to work toward a Westerly that is a welcoming, affordable, just and equitable place to live.
Today, I look for candidates who value transparency, hold public meetings, allow and respect respectful public comment, and communicate frequently with their constituents. We are tired of public officials who treat citizens poorly, rudely, dismissively, or worse when they genuinely try to participate in the work of local government. Likewise, we have sadly seen too many citizens replace civic participation with defamation, insults, and deliberate misinformation. We can all do better.
Our city needs creative thinkers, impactful, objective, data-driven citizen input, and leaders with decency and integrity. We cannot allow the shadows of the past to obscure the path to Westerly’s better future. No decision will meet all needs or expectations; good leaders make civilized compromises, and those in power and our citizens must accept and support fair decisions and just processes.
These days, I ask myself, “What kind of town do we want Westerly to be?” and “What kind of community do we want to raise our children in?” Instead of asking, “What’s in it for me?” or “How can I protect my own interests?” I ask myself how I can help build community, make friends, and help make life easier and better for everyone to expand the inclusivity of our beloved community. Traditional values like welcoming strangers, sharing our wealth, and caring for one another must become our modern guiding principles and goals. So I ask the candidates vying for my vote to commit to building a sense of community where everyone feels safe, regardless of socioeconomic status, gender, creed, political affiliation, or race.
I need to know if I am voting for candidates who will allow the privileged and wealthy to avoid paying their fair share while our working middle class continues to be burdened and lose ground. Am I voting for creative and progressive leaders who will confront the climate crisis that threatens our lives and property? Am I voting for candidates who, despite their self-interest, want the best for the community; will they ensure that everyone’s right to vote is respected and sanctified? Will the candidates vying for my vote work for everyone, not just me, to protect our human rights and democratic processes?
Education is a priority. Schools in the West are making good progress, but there is still room for improvement in achievement, student behavior, and an inclusive school climate. The beauty and creativity of our young people are, to me, constant indicators of the health of a community. We cannot be content with creating systems of the past to educate for the future. Tomorrow’s education needs adequate funding, equity-based decision-making, a diverse workforce, and curricula that encourage critical thinking, inquiry, and problem-solving while teaching truths about history, health, and well-being.
Our school board cannot be a field of ideological games that loses sight of the real and most pressing needs of children. Our priority at every level can be educating and supporting the healthy and wholesome growth of the next generation. We must ask our candidates to support free, safe, and meaningful public education for all students.
Locally, we are making progress on tackling critical issues. At the top of my list are affordable housing, thoughtful, planned and managed development, prioritizing the climate crisis, equitable, safe, high-performing schools, and safe, inclusive neighborhoods for all citizens. What issues are at the top of your list?
I urge you to stay informed. Attend meetings, watch and listen to the videos and recordings of meetings, and talk to our politicians. Good and open communication between public officials and private citizens is essential to good government. When you answer our letters, emails, and phone calls, you demonstrate a desire to build responsive relationships with citizens. It is also an opportunity for elected officials to make their case and understand ours. Communication is the stuff of civil, productive compromise.
Westerly ARC is committed to supporting candidates who embody our values of fairness, integrity, inclusion, diversity and equality. Above all, we stand for truth, honesty and respect for differing opinions and for each other.
Westerly certainly faces challenges. However, the beauty and talent of our citizens can usher in a prosperous and rewarding future for all. I will vote for it. And you?
This column is written by members of the Westerly Anti-Racism Coalition, which advocates for multiculturalism as a means of combating racism. Geoff Serra is a contributing editor. ARC is a community coalition not affiliated with any state, national or international organization. They meet every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the steps of the Westerly Post Office. All are welcome. Learn more and subscribe to the ARC newsletter at westerlyarc.weebly.com. Contact them at [email protected].
