Here & There Column 11-1-11

GET OUT AND VOTE

Today's date of 11-1-11 is significant in many ways.....you don't see it but once in a lifetime and it is a date today that reminds everyone that there is one week left in the political campaign that ends next Tuesday with elections.
There's no doubt about the fact that politicians continue to be, well, politicians, and that is why voters have to stand up for democracy and turn out for each and every election, regardless of whether there is an exciting race on the ballot.
To do anything else plays into the hands of political strategists counting on apathetic voters staying home on Election Day.
At times, both political parties attempt to take advantage of that apathy.
Sullivan County voters have major reasons to register their vote as there are candidates ranging from key county offices (Sullivan County Clerk and Sullivan County Coroner), the full county legislature, town supervisors, various town board positions and New York State Supreme Court Judicial District on next weeks ballot.
Serious issues facing all of us include both local municipalities and the county having limited reserves, cut backs in state and federal funds, a cap on taxes and cut backs in almost everything.
We support candidates who will bring real fiscal responsibility , honesty and accountability to their elected position.
Verbiage such as bringing us new ideas without clear identification of these new ideas and saying they will bring additional revenue to the county without saying what this revenue will consist of is meaningless.
Get out and vote next Tuesday for responsible candidates who will work to reduce the size of government with elimination of some forms of government, consolidation of services and will work to reduce the heavy tax burden we all face.
Tell this years candidates they must stop doing political business as usual.
The "good-old boy" style of politics must become a thing of the past and you can do your part on Election Day.