By Larry Vetter
After you cut through the personalities and posturing, ultimately all political campaigns are about Issues. Too often issues are defined as a “Republican issue” or a “Democratic issue” or even Conservative or Liberal issue. Lines are drawn in the sand, never to be crossed.
Maybe I look at life more simply, but I believe campaign issues are common goals and they revolve around what is right, ethical, fair and necessary. Quality of life such as proper sewage, solid infra-structure, housing, vibrant downtowns, plentiful good careers and integrity are all a part of local government and can be impacted for either better or worse and are all stepping stones for a healthy community. These issues cannot be defined as either Democratic or Republican.
I believe government is very similar to business in that in order to succeed, one has to deliver what is promised. Promises are very easy to toss about, but eventually it becomes time for action and we need our elected officials to have the ability to back up what they say.
Our political system and our goals have been reduced to gamesmanship, theatrics and smoke and mirrors. We are barely able to resolve differences between ourselves and less and less thought is put into how our actions will impact the future. Often we appear as rival gangs rather than adults’ working together to ensure our way of life continues.
America’s past has always been highlighted by an optimistic view of the future. We will have better transportation, more conveniences, safer homes and better health care. I sense we have lost a part of that. Smithtown is concerned with today and the here and now. We have lost that drive to ensure our town is better for the next generation.
This November there is once again our annual opportunity to turn a corner and start working toward creating a town that is great for today’s residents and even better for those yet to come. Choose the candidates that will work to make our towns vibrant and desirable for our children and grandchildren.
Larry Vetter is a Democratic canidate for Smithtown Town Council in November.