By Melissa Johnston
Orange Democratic Town Committee
Melissa Johnston
In Orange, we have two budget votes in May. On May 5 we voted on the Amity Regional School District budget. On Wednesday, May 20, our vote is on the town budget. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the gym in the High Plains Community Center. If you are not able to vote in person, you can request an absentee ballot in the town clerk’s office from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The often low turnout for these votes does not reflect how consequential they are for our community. These budgets, shaped for many months behind the scenes by our locally elected officials, determine how we fund every aspect of our town, from our roads to our parks, to public safety and the education of our children.
I believe that when residents understand what is in the budget and how these decisions are made, they are better equipped to engage, ask meaningful questions and help shape the future of our town. That’s why the Orange Democratic Town Committee recently hosted an informational session to help people better understand the budget and to serve as a resource for our community.
These budget votes are not just about decisions made once a year; they are about building a community where people understand, engage with and influence the choices that affect our daily lives. We encourage everyone to participate in the process by voting in both budget referendums.
Our state legislators are doing something similar. I attended a community information session in April at the HPCC hosted by state Sen. James Maroney and state Reps. Mary Welander and MJ Shannon. It was a valuable opportunity to hear updates on the current legislative session and for residents to engage directly with them about upcoming bills and policies. These sessions reflect what government is all about and should be: open, accessible and rooted in dialogue.
As a working mom, I know time is limited; you shouldn’t have to attend every meeting to stay informed. Orange Democrats are committed to meeting people where they are through email, social media and helpful meetings and events. We are always open to suggestions, too.
Sign up for emails at OrangeCTDems.org, follow us on Facebook and Instagram or reach out to me directly any time. If you’re able, join us at our next monthly meetings on May 12 and June 16, both at 7 p.m. at the HPCC.
At the end of the day, decisions about our community belong to all of us, and we are strongest when more of us take part in shaping them.
Melissa Johnston is the chair of the Orange Democratic Town Committee.