Let the primaries begin -- for Republicans

Political parties would prefer not to have primaries. It's much easier and less costly to put forth a slate of candidates determined by the party bosses. This way the party has one unified message leading up to election day on Tuesday, November 4.

Democrat slate locked. The Democrat Town Committee got just that. In the backroom deal for the powerful finance board (BET), Democrat party bosses excluded the prior Chair of the BET - Leslie Moriarty who had served 4 terms and for their Board of Selectmen slate they excluded Janet Stone McGuigan who had served 2 terms in that role. The Democrats play hardball.

Republican slate open to voters. The Republican Town Committee tried to do the same thing for the finance board (BET) where keeping taxes in check are a big priority. They endorsed a full slate of six candidates including four incumbents David Alfano, Nisha Arora, Harry Fisher, and Lucia Jenson and two new members Sally Bednar and Joe Pellegrino. They retired Leslie Tarkington who served almost 20 years and Karen Fassullotis who served 8 years.

There was so much interest from potential Republican candidates to serve on this important board that two three-member slates of candidates took to the streets to get over 550 signatures to force a primary. One of the slates includes Joshua Brown, Joe Kelly and Leslie Tarkington. The other includes Alessandra Brus, Phil Dodson and John Hopley. Karen Fassullotis will run as an Independent in November.

The Republican primary will occur on Tuesday September 9 and there will be a choice of 12 candidates listed here to serve on this 6-member board As long as the mudslinging is kept to a minimum, there are benefits to having a primary. It increases participation and interest among voters in the upcoming election. The Republicans will have this advantage.

Between the Lines: It's amazing to see how much energy there is among Republicans willing to run for this important volunteer job. These are unpaid positions. Thank you.