Letter: Voting for Mayor, City Council More Important Than for President
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To the Editor:
Yes, I said that correctly. The mayor and City Council elections are more important to you as it pertains to our community.
Let me highlight just a few reasons why voting in the mayor and city council elections are important to you:
1) Local changes have the greatest everyday impact. Local elected officials affect our day-to-day lives by dictating local laws, policies and budgets that you will benefit from. Examples include
a. Including safety and maintenance of streets we drive on
b. Approval of taxi drivers
c. Sales and purchase of city-owned buildings
d. Whether or not we plan on going green with a ban on plastic bags in grocery stores
2) Voting for who you want to "be your voice" will benefit you by giving you direct access to someone that can help catalyze a movement or initiate change. Let's be honest, knowing someone is half the battle when it comes to finding a solution to an issue or trying to have your voice heard.
3) Property taxes are leveraged by local officials
4) Public safety is overseen by local officials and in particular, preventative solutions to reduce crime in communities.
5) Local politics help with shaping federal policy. What this means is local politicians have the ability to step up and fight battles for small communities by reaching out to state and federal elected officials to make our voices heard.
So I ask that you get out and vote: "It's your city, your taxes, your vote. Make it count."
If you are not registered to vote, register at City Hall or contact your local elected officials (and candidates) for help.
Elections: North Adams local and special election for the 1st Berkshire District state House seat is Nov. 7, 2017.
Rebbecca Cohen
North Adams, Mass.
Tags: election 2017, letters to the editor,
