To the editor:

One of the things I teach my kids is to not get stuck in complaining. One of my rules for myself is if I complain three times I have a choice: I can do something about it or stop complaining. Continual complaining can make us feel stuck in a negative perspective and deplete our energy. The time and energy spent on complaining can be used in so much more productive ways.

Currently there are over 20 candidates running for the office of Charter Review Commission in Tiverton. The Charter is the backbone of the processes in our town government so this is an important commission and vote.  My current concern and question is, “Where do we get information on each of the candidates so we can make an informed vote?” To date I’ve seen a few letters to the editor which are great ways to assess the views of those running for this commission. However, I want more. Don’t you?

There seems to be a pattern in our town of low voter turnout. Two possible reasons are that people are not aware of the vote or they don’t feel informed enough to vote. I have created a non-partisan website to help improve access to information that can help voters make informed choices at the ballots. I sent out a list of questions to each candidate of the Charter Review Commission on 6/13/17 and I will post their responses on the website.

I am not gaining anything from this website other than feeling like I am doing something about a concern rather than just complaining about it.  If anyone has any other ideas to help make it easy for residents to get informed and engaged, then let’s work together to make this goal happen. You can contact me directly through the website at https://tivertonvotes11.wixsite.com/tivri. 

Maureen Umehara

Tiverton