Election Thoughts

It takes sincerity, genuineness, character, and selflessness.  Age is not a component.  Knowledge is helpful, but willingness to learn is just as valuable.  And, it takes passion to be able to throw ones hat into the political ring, stay in the race, and come out the other side intact.

This happened yesterday here in town when Jacob Ryan won a seat on the Tantasqua School Committee at the the age of 18.  He graduated from Tantasqua in 2012.  Ryan would like to see a greater investment in the vocational side of Tantasqua, and a school resource officer for the district.  His age didn't stand in the way of his being being elected.  It was his  ability to successfully convince voters across party lines that he was serious about his platform.  It worked, he obtained 461 votes to the incumbents 397.

Jacob Ryan will also add a uniqueness to the school committee.  He is closer to those that use the school for its intended purpose than other members.  He has recent first hand experience on just how the school functions, and can see the needs from a perspective that only someone his age can see. From his own recent experience he is able to see just how the school committees actions affect those at the student level.   This is invaluable, and may, in fact, be a secret weapon of sorts.

Those are the age related reasons that will give Ryan a uniqueness.  The other reasons are his ability to take on a duty that most his age would not consider, and his ability to cross political lines, and convince others of his vision for change, and improvement. This is found under passion, and selflessness.

As I said, it worked.

The one year selectman's seat was won by Craig Moran over  Donald Fairbrother, 409 votes to 389. Moran's desire to run a town like a business hit a chord with many.  A town is a business, and should be run as one.  Moran is the owner of three businesses in town, and has the current business acumen needed.

Sturbridge has 6648 registered voters, and yesterday 817 of them came out to vote.  5831of those registered voters in Sturbridge did not vote.

Some were sick.  Some worked from before the polls opened, till after they closed.  Those are the only two valid reasons why a registered voter does show up at the polls on election day.

Daycare, transportation, a sick dog, waiting for the cable guy, not having time, too tired after work, not awake before work, are all excuses, not reasons, but you know that.

To vote is such a simple act.  A long time dream for too many, a dying wish for others, and a cherished action for those that have the opportunity, and take it.

Next election day, cherish the act of voting, and vote.