Dear Editor of the Burlington Free Press

In a few days, caucus voters will make a choice between candidates Tim Ashe and Miro Weinberger to represent the Democratic ticket for our March mayoral race.

World news this week also spoke of elections. Although it may seem unrelated, in the past days, BBC News reported four people died while trying to vote as gunman attacked polling stations in the Congo. Sadly, in many places all over the world, the simple act of voting can end in death. Hearing reports like this is a reminder of how lucky we are to live in a county where we can openly discuss politics, place political signs on our lawns, and vote for whomever we feel will best represent us. There is no fear of violence or serious retribution in our voting process.

Remembering this, I hope all Burlington residents realize how fortunate we are to have two bright, educated and hard working candidates at hand. During this process, all caucus goers owe it to themselves to do one thing before the re-caucus; see both candidates in a small group or one on one. Here, you can ask questions and get a chance to interact with them in a casual setting. The debates, the news and the newspaper offer invaluable information about Ashe and Weinberger. But to see them at a gathering in a restaurant, a bar, or someone’s home presents them in a whole new light.

How do you connect with these events? Check their websites or call their campaign’s number to learn where to meet. I think most people will be surprised to see how many opportunities there are to see the candidates. It could be at The Spot or Great Harvest Bread in the early mornings; it could be at American Flatbread after dinner or in your neighbor’s living room. Make a point to get there and hear their ideas and see how they handle the unanticipated questions.

What I hope for in our next mayor is a leader who has experience in politics, who knows our city inside and out, and who can reach out to all generations and socio-economic groups within our city. He should demonstrate leadership qualities as well as strong speaking skills to lead us forward in the best way possible. Ashe is the candidate that has all these qualities. Burlingtonians would do well to have such a capable person as Tim Ashe for our next mayor. Don’t take your right to vote for granted, go talk to the candidates and decide. And vote!

KATHARINE MONTSTREAM
Burlington

dec 2, 2011

Dear Editor:

And Then There Were Two. In a few days, caucus voters will make a choice between candidate’s Tim Ashe and Miro Weinberger to represent the Democratic ticket for our March mayoral race.  World news this week also spoke of elections. Although it may seem unrelated, in the past days, BBC News reported four people died while trying to vote as gunman attacked polling stations in the Congo. Sadly, in many places all over the world, the simple act of voting can end in death. Hearing reports like this is a reminder of how lucky we are to live in a county where we can openly discuss politics, place political signs on our lawns, and vote for whomever we feel will best represent us. There is no fear of violence or serious retribution in our voting process.

Remembering this, I hope all Burlington residents realize how fortunate we are to have two bright, educated and hard working candidates at hand. During this process, all caucus goers owe it to themselves to do one thing before the re-caucus; see both candidates in a small group or one on one. Here, you can ask questions and get a chance to interact with them in a casual setting. The debates, the news and the newspaper offer invaluable information about Ashe and Weinberger. But to see them at a gathering in a restaurant, a bar, or someone’s home presents them in a whole new light. How do you connect with these events? Check their websites or call their campaign’s number to learn where to meet. I think most people will be surprised to see how many opportunities there are to see the candidates. It could be at The Spot or Great Harvest Bread in the early mornings; it could be at American Flatbread after dinner or in your neighbor’s living room. Make a point to get there and hear their ideas and see how they handle the unanticipated questions.

What I hope for in our next mayor is a leader who has experience in politics, who knows our city inside and out, and who can reach out to all generations and socio-economic groups within our city. He should demonstrate leadership qualities as well as strong speaking skills to lead us forward in the best way possible. Ashe is the candidate that has all these qualities. Burlingtonian’s would do well to have such a capable person as Tim Ashe for our next mayor. Don’t take your right to vote for granted, go talk to the candidates and decide. And vote!

Katharine Montstream

Clymer Street, Burlington

Letter to the Editor submitted to Burlington Free Press.