Tom Brown Jr.

To the editor:

The city needs partisan elections again.

The two-party system works in most places in the country. Why does Laconia take the politics out of running local government? Why do we go against the American way? I cannot find one good reason why we do.

Laconia’s recent school board election is a good example of why we need a party primary. The place to have this debate over ideas is at the party primary party level not the general election. The party primaries often fight over new ideas and educate the voters. The general election is about the ideas being refined and polished. The general election gives the voter two choices between the different ideas (Republican and Democrat). That is basic American politics. The non-partisan election does not give us a clear choice. I am glad we do not use this model at the national level because if we did, a pop icon would be president.

I know some of you love the idea of the non-partisan elections. I respect your point of view. This change started back in 1991 (Straight Arrows) and went against what you believed in. At that time, you did not have a voice in the Laconia. This must have made you upset. Right now, there are people in the city that feel the same way you did back in 1991. They feel they do not have a voice and no one is listening. They are upset and doing write-in campaigns.

The time has come to start a petition to put this issue on the ballot. I am calling on all Laconia Republicans and Democrats to be united behind this issue. We need partisan elections again. I believe this is the best way for social and political justice for all citizens of Laconia.

Where do you stand on this issue?

Please feel free to email thomasbrownjr@gmail.com.

Tom Brown Jr.

Laconia