By Melissa Johnston
Orange Democratic Town Committee
Melissa Johnston
Listen, I get it. There is a lot of noise around everyone right now. Between the news, social media, political arguing, the constant amplification of every issue and the never-ending unpredictability at the national level, it can be exhausting. It can make you feel numb or disconnected. I know I feel that way sometimes.
You might be tempted to just not show up and sit this election out.
But this is exactly when I suggest you step back from the noise, the hype and the small groups of people who make the most fuss, and focus on what is actually in front of us. Elections are about real people, real decisions and real issues that affect our everyday lives here in Orange.
That means taking the time to learn about the candidates, know where they stand and think about what matters most to you and your family. Look beyond the headlines and the continual back and forth. Decide what you believe is important.
There are also some important things to recognize here in Connecticut. Our state is in a stronger financial position than it has been in the past, but that does not mean everyone is feeling that progress in their own household.
For many families, affordability is a very real concern. Housing, groceries, health care, and just about everything else continue to put pressure on household budgets. We cannot dismiss those kitchen table concerns, no matter how strong our balance sheet is in Hartford.
Two things can be true at the same time. We can acknowledge the fiscal progress Connecticut has made while recognizing there is still more work to do. We can be proud of where our state is today while understanding that too many families are still struggling. And we can expect our elected leaders to address those challenges.
The question isn’t whether everything is perfect. It isn’t. The question is how we continue moving Orange and Connecticut forward while addressing the challenges families are facing.
Our local Democratic state legislative candidates are asking for your support to continue the work they have been doing on issues that impact us. They have been out talking with residents, listening to concerns and sharing their priorities. As voters, we have an opportunity to learn, ask questions and decide who we want representing us and our principles.
I’ll tell you right now, state Sen. James Maroney, state Reps. Mary Welander and MJ Shannon, and state representative candidate Alex Armstrong have each put their time and energy into issues that matter to our communities. They show up, they listen and they are willing to do the work.
They are doing their part. Now we have to show up for them.
There is more to do. There always is. But these are people willing to put in the time, energy and sweat equity it takes to turn ideas into tangible results. That’s what I want from the people representing me. Not campaign year promises, but a willingness to roll up their sleeves, listen to their constituents and get to work.
There is even more on the ballot this November, including races for US House of Representatives, governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of the state, treasurer, comptroller and attorney general. So yes, there is a lot coming at us all at once. There will be plenty of mail, phone calls, advertisements and opinions over the next few weeks.
Take a breath. Do your homework. Ask questions. Pay attention to the people who are actually doing the work. Then make your voice heard.
It was so nice to meet and engage with so many of you at the Orange Country Fair. I appreciated the conversations, ideas shared and the different perspectives.
The Orange Democrats are working to make sure our values are represented in this election. If you feel compelled to lend a hand or simply want to stay in the know, visit OrangeCTDems.org or sign up for our monthly email newsletter.
Connecticut’s general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3, and early voting runs from Oct. 19 through Nov. 1. Whether you vote early or on Election Day, make a plan to participate.
There is too much at stake. Don’t sit this one out.
Melissa Johnston is the chair of the Orange Democratic Town Committee.