To the Editor:

Local politics need not reflect national politics, yet at times it does. As a Berne resident, and Democratic Committee member, I care about Berne politics, but not at the expense of what is best for our town.

Several years ago Berne was on firm financial footing, with a surplus reserve. Taxes were reasonable. We had a town office that was open and accessible to residents. Town representatives were available to the community, allowed us to speak our minds and ask questions. We had a youth program, increased senior services, and park property that could have, and should have, been a crown jewel of the Hilltowns. We were a community that cared about our town and its residents. Hold up a mirror to Berne today and it does not reflect this Berne. Now is the time to turn the page and look ahead.

The Berne Democratic Committee carefully selected our slate of candidates, interviewed each one, weighed their strengths and any potential weaknesses, and determined that they earned and deserved our support. With some candidates, this meant endorsing members of the opposition party. Our choices were not about party or politics, but about what is best for Berne. We set aside national politics and focused on what is needed to put Berne back on track. We ask Berne residents to go to our webpage, bernedemocrats.com, and get to know our candidates. And please exercise your right to vote.

Kelly Martin

Berne