As we proceed into winter and the New Year, we traditionally take time to reflect on the year just ending, and resolve to do some things differently in the days ahead.
And while there’s nothing wrong with the usual resolutions – exercise more, eat healthier foods, take more time for yourself, pay more attention to loved ones – we suggest other goals as well to achieve a different but equally lasting kind of result.
What about a resolve to compromise instead of pursuing “my way or the highway,” to look at all sides of an issue, rather than only the one that benefits yourself? It’s not easy to be open minded, but it’s worth the effort. And we’re not supposed to be electing “special interest” representatives in government. Our officials should represent all of us. That means they have to be open to other views. We all count.
There’s a presidential primary in New Hampshire this February. For our first-in-the-nation primary, Granite Staters tend to turn out in droves to express their preference. Let’s resolve to do so in an intelligent manner – not to “make a point” but to choose the candidate of your party you think will be the best, most responsible president. Sarcasm and downright cruelty have no place in the platform of a person who seeks the highest office of the land. Racist, sexist or otherwise obnoxious comments are not presidential characteristics.
And while voting in the presidential primary is important, don’t forget local elections. The winners of council or selectman and school board races, and the decisions on warrant articles, play a downright personal role in our lives, right in our wallets. Don’t sit out the local elections – they matter. Just take a look at what happened in Derry this past year, where voters turned out in record numbers to make their views known on council-initiated budget cuts and won on every count.
How about resolving to run for office? Volunteers are needed to help our towns operate. And while it takes no effort to complain about what goes on at town hall, it can be much more rewarding to participate in the process. The filing period for town and school offices opens Jan. 20 and closes Jan. 29.
Good luck with your resolutions, and from all of us at Nutfield Publishing to all of you, our best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year.