by Julie A. Varughese - published by the Norwich Bulletin on February 7, 2007
JEWETT CITY -- In May 2005, the highest number of votes any candidate received in the borough elections was 53.
That means only 3.73 percent of the 1,422 registered voters cast ballots for the people who make decisions such as who sets utility prices and how many state police troopers to hire.
Residents attribute the lack of voter participation to apathy or simply that people aren't aware there's an election, since it is held in May rather than November.
But this year's May 7 borough election may be different because, for the first time in years, the Democratic borough warden has opponents.
Republican Melinda Brooks and Ron Ward, founder of the Jewett City Party, are running against incumbent Democrat Cynthia Kata.
Kata, who has been in office since 1999, said there still may be low voter turnout because residents are satisfied with the status quo.
"I think it's because they're content with what they've got, I'm hoping. I mean, why else would you (not vote)? If you have a problem, you show up," she said.
Helmi Robillard said she plans to register to vote in the borough election for the first time since moving to Jewett City five years ago.
"I think part of the reason there aren't that many people voting is, for the most part, from what I can observe, meetings are held when the average person can't go," she said. "So people have an apathy about what's going on. So they feel there's nothing they can do, nothing's ever going to change."
Brooks said the high number of tenant-occupied units in the borough also might be the reason.
"People who rent don't always think about going to vote, because they're not paying property taxes," she said.
Laurie Soulor, owner of Second Chance Consignments and the building where it is housed, said most people probably don't know there is an election. She plans to support Ward's bid for office.
4 comments:
With all of these choices as anyone thought about a debate so the voters can hear from the candidates concerning the issues that we are interested in.
WHat a F***ing loser you are. WHy waste the time of the poeple of our town with your promises you can not keep.
Yes, Ms. Soulor is a respectable business woman in town. But, not sure she has a vote in the borough? Doesn't she live in town. It is sad to see her associate with the likes of Ron.
Dear Jewett City Party:
Thank You for giving us a choice this election. We look forward to the upcoming debates. Please pot on this site when they will be, as we are excited to hear the plans of each candidate.
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