To the Editor:

We have three very passionate people running for two open positions. So the question is how to select two out of the three.

One of the hopes and expectations we all had on January 1, 2013 was that consolidation would represent a new beginning for a “new” municipality, an opportunity to, if not eliminate, at least lessen the “family” disagreements that existed when there were two towns. Expectation was high. Progress and improvement was expected.

Over the course of the year, while some issues such as the budget were met head on and resolved, other issues such as the selection of a municipal attorney and the passing of an ordinance establishing the day-to-day reporting structure of the Police Department took an inordinate amount of time and energy on the part of Council before they were resolved because of divisiveness and posturing by some members of Council. A number of important issues remain unresolved, including the naming of a Police Chief and a process to replace our Administrator who is set to retire at the end of the year. What should be understood is that divisiveness and dysfunction costs time, money and staff morale.

There doesn’t seem to be disagreement regarding this conclusion. So that’s where a choice comes to bear. Each of us, each voting member of our community needs to determine which two people, if elected, would likely have a positive effect on the governance of our community.

In past administrations, Sue Nemeth has had the opportunity to work with Bernie Miller and the then associated Council Members. In those times, difficult issues were met with a determined Council to resolve their issues with demonstrable success. While debate frequently occurred, decisions were made expeditiously and time was left for subsequent issues. It is through the lens of the past that I look to the future and support the candidacy of Miller and Nemeth.

Ross Wishnick

Edgerstoune Road