Hello All,

This week the [Middletown] Patch reported that over 450 Wes students were registered by the local Dems to vote in the local election. Yes—participation in government is good and encouraged. We want students to participate locally. However, the alternative view on this is that these students are not necessarily choosing people who Middletown’s permanent residents would choose. In the late 1980’s, Paul Gionfriddo’s mayoral campaign made a valiant effort to mass register Wes students. He won that election, ironically. Some say that he was not the hometown favorite of those who own property, live, work, and raise children here. There was no way to measure voter feedback, other than word of mouth at the time and claims by both parties.

I was present when Mayor Giuliano gave a speech to the Wesleyan Republicans saying he encouraged students to participate in local government if they truly showed concern for citizens here and made educated decisions. He encouraged them to become active in Middletown culture and activities. Alex Levin is running for Board of Education (BOE) on the same ticket as me and he is a student at Wesleyan who plans to stay for the long haul and serve if elected. It is of my opinion, not my party, or the Mayor’s, but my own, that when a particular candidate lines up shuttles to drive students to the polls works with only a single party organizing the effort (i.e. College Democrats) not a bipartisan group on campus (Democracy Matters), he is sending the message that he, Dan Drew, does not believe Middletown residents are educated and smart enough to decide for themselves who they want elected.

These students have also not been educated, from my understanding, to the fact that by changing their permanent address to Middletown, they are now subject to local car tax and possibly state income tax.

A plea to Wesleyan students: Not long ago, I too was a college student in a small city. I have had Wesleyan students and professors as roommates since becoming a homeowner right around the corner from campus. I love going to Wesleyan concerts especially Taiko Drumming. Please be careful when you vote–use your head, be kind, and keep citizens at the front of your mind rather than party affiliation. Realize your vote may weigh more than you know.  There are real families attached to every decision you make.

Food for thought—thank you!

Molly Salafia, Assoc, AIA, LEED GA – a really annoyed citizen, and yes (R) candidate for [Planning and Zoning Commission]