Letter: Town Council forum a win for Little Compton

To the editor:

On Monday, October 17, the non-profit, non-political organization Little Compton Community First (LCCF) hosted a Town Council candidate forum at the Little Compton Community Center. Seven of the eight candidates were in attendance – incumbents Charles Appleton, Paul Golembeske, Gary Mataronas and Robert Mushen – along with three challengers – Jeremy Allen, Matthew Gillette and James Tumber. Incumbent Fred Bodington was absent due to scheduling issues.

The forum was attended by 60 people who silently and respectfully listened to the seven candidates answer questions administered by forum moderator Andrew Moore. The questions – which included the topics of affordable housing, appointment of tax assessors, zoning ordinances for entertainment licenses, our town’s bond rating and pension fund – were submitted by the Town Republican and Town Democratic Committees along with the LCCF membership. The answers offered by the candidates regarding issues facing our town were interesting, thoughtful and researched. The atmosphere was relaxed, informative and friendly.

This forum was a breath of fresh air, in a time of political strife on the national level, and was exemplary of the mutual respect with which local politics should be considered and delivered. Open and civil civic participation was on full display – good for our town and good for our community in the lead-up to the November 8 election.

We would like to extend our thanks to the candidates for participating, to the audience for attending and to our volunteers who helped organize the event.

David Middleton

President/coordinator.

Little Compton Community First