Community Update

A Request for Positive Discourse

Lashing out at our chief executive, name-calling,
irresponsible attacks—all of these abhorrent tactics are familiar, yet
disgusting to most of us who have observed Washington’s current bipartisan
scene.   

Here in Milford we have  been  gratified
to note that these unseemly  practices have not prevailed  on the local level. 
Throughout many of Milford’s campaigns civility has been the dominant form
of discourse.  Until now.   Recently, a spate of unpleasant epithets have been hurled by
supporters of candidate Spalthoff. 
One can only hope that these attacks are not a coordinated effort  or a indicator of a negative tone that
might tarnish our city’s history of local politics at a higher level of interaction.  And so, I’m asking the candidate to
personally intervene,  take
responsibility  and demand that his
followers return to Milford’s policy of civil discourse. 

Perhaps he should reference the last municipal
election.  In 2011 Mayor Blake and
his opponent, Bob Joy maintained a spirited campaign while focusing on issues
and solutions to local problems, without name-calling or vitriolic condemnations.  Mr. Spalthoff’s then allegiance to
another party surely would not have blinded him to the gentlemanly and
courteous manner with which both candidates and the underticket conducted their
business.

Having lived in Milford for more than 35 years, I’ve always
appreciated  Milford’s municipal
elections where new ideas and local policies are articulated by candidates who
are also our neighbors.  Everyone
is approachable and responsible for his or her own views.  No one who steps up to get involved in
local politics should have  to fear
personal attacks for serving our community.  Our current mayor, Ben Blake as well as the boards of
Alderman, Education, Planning and Zoning and other civic-minded individuals
have continually put the best interest of our city above petty party
agendas. 

Please let’s end the name-calling and keep Milford’s political
scene a model where all candidates and their supporters are respectful and
constructive.  Nancy Horn