Letter to the Editor: Uncontested Elections Are a Danger to Our Democracy
I have lived in Yorktown for over 30 years and have witnessed and been part of many local elections. Too often I have observed uncontested elections. It is the responsibility of party officials and their district leaders to insure there are prospective candidates for all offices. The people should decide who our officeholders are, not a handful of party leaders and backroom influencers.
This requires commitment by party officials and leadership. A concerted and pre-planned effort should be made to identify qualified candidates – capable of both visionary and strategic thinking who have proven operational experience. As election season approaches, grooming, preparing, testing and encouraging candidates should be a sustained focus.
Uncontested elections are a danger to our town and society. They project the appearance of impropriety, discourage voting, result in disengaged constituents due to lack of choice and too often, poor governance results.
I urge the leaders and committee members of our major parties to seek qualified candidates for this coming election and all future elections. You are responsible for and obligated to seek candidates for all open positions to ensure that a fair, open, honest and democratic election be held for town supervisor, town justice and highway superintendent.
Bob Giordano
Yorktown Heights
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