Here’s a question. Why is it that people only seem to have firm opinions about national issues and state or federal politicians? Ask anyone what he thinks about President George Bush, Senator Hillary Clinton or Social Security and you’ll end up listening to one informed opinion after another. But ask people what they think about local legislators, town councilors or local issues and they’ll shake their head, squirm a little, and say they’re late for an appointment.

Why is that? Why don’t people want to give an opinion of local leaders or issues? Is it because they can’t? Is it too close to home, or too personal somehow? There are definitely those in any town who closely watch local politics, but most don’t. Most don’t care even though governing decisions made locally are the ones that can sting or benefit people the most.

Presumably people who read local newspapers should have a semi-informed opinion of their local leaders. In Windham, there is also local cable television, as there is in Standish, Raymond, Casco and other towns around the area. In Raymond, the news comes a little late over the airwaves, but it comes. So, why don’t most people have firm opinions of their leaders? I really don’t know the answer. Write us a letter and fill me in. It would be interesting to know what you think, especially with elections and Annual Town Meeting season once again approaching.

One thing I do know is that Monday night in Raymond is a golden opportunity for residents to learn more about their local leadership. At 7 p.m. in the Jordan Small Middle School cafeteria, there is a “Candidates Evening” sponsored by the Raymond Lions Club. Moderator Bob Jones will again be on hand to get the discussion rolling, and the public is invited to ask any and all questions of the candidates. It’s an excellent opportunity that comes only once a year in which voters can ask questions and find out who is running and what they stand for.

The nice thing about this particular candidates night is the number of participants expected. It’s a chance to hear views from future town leaders about their views on the future of Raymond. The evening is also a chance to ask questions and hear views from incumbent board members since several are running for reelection.

In the spirit of the season then, here are a few questions I’d ask if I were the Raymond voting public:

Do you support the possible purchase of the Egypt Road landfill? If so, what are some ideas you have for its potential use?

How would you prioritize municipal spending in Raymond? School spending? Are competitive salaries top on your list? Where do supplies and building maintenance factor in to your priorities? Should the town continue to do things the “Yankee Way?”

Do you think Raymond needs more services; fewer services? Precisely, what services should stay or go?

Do you want to eliminate the school superintendent’s position? Is that a cost savings, or a burden too heavy for other administrators to share?

What makes Raymond special and how do you intend to improve or promote that so businesses will move to town? Do you want more companies calling Raymond home?

For Budget Committee candidates: Do you feel the Budget/Finance Committee needs more power in the town? Does it get the respect it deserves?

For School Board candidates: Do you want to eliminate early childhood intervention or the social worker’s position? How about the curriculum? Is it too liberal, too conservative? Is it lacking in the three R’s, or would you want more character-based curriculum?

For Board of Selectmen candidates: Do you feel the town hall provides adequate space for its employees? What is your view of town growth?

If you really want to spark the conversation, ask what candidates think about moral or ethical issues such as gay rights or gambling. These are statewide issues that could hit close to home at any time. Now is the time to ask questions. It’s too late once candidates are elected.

And hopefully a lot of you will show up Monday night. The biggest reason to go to events like these is to show your future leaders you care about the direction of Raymond. A lackadaisical voting public will always be led by a lackadaisical leadership. But an eager and inquisitive public, which shows up at special events like Monday night’s candidates night, will be led by duty-bound and responsible leader-servants.

And these leaders will govern better knowing more about whom they’re serving. Your questions will not only extract from them, they will reveal your concerns about Raymond and give light and direction to whomever is elected. It’s a two-way street. But without you and your participation, it’s just a dead-end road to ignorance and ineffective government.

John Balentine

editor