Rejuvenate the Democratic Party

This letter is in support of the candidates on Row "A" of the ballot for membership on the Democratic Town Committee, to be voted on at the Democratic Primary on Tuesday, March 5; these candidates were endorsed by the Democrats at their caucus on January 15. The outcome of this primary should be of interest to all Democrats and to all the citizens of the Town of Winchester.

It is imperative that all Democratic voters cast their ballots on March 5. There are certainly good candidates on both slates, and one could go through both slates picking and choosing, but the reality of the situation is that it boils down to the leadership of the Democratic Party and how it will define its role in the political structure of the Town of Winchester.

Who can vote in this Democratic primary? (1) All registered Democrats. (2) Anyone who is registered to vote but who has not registered with either party may enroll with the Democratic Party and vote in this primary. (3) Anyone who is not currently registered may register to vote and, at the same time, enroll with the Democratic Party, making them eligible to vote in this Democratic primary. (4) Anyone who is not able to get to the polls because of illness, disability or absence from town on primary day may obtain an absentee ballot from the Town Clerk. The ballot should then be completed and returned to the Town Clerk.

In 2003, when the current Mayor's term expires, it will have been eight years since we Democrats have held a majority on the Board of Selectmen and chosen one of our own to be Mayor. Why? Have we nominated the best candidates? Has there been too much infighting within the party? Have we supported and worked for our candidates?

All of these questions can be answered by looking to the failure of the past leadership of the Democratic Party. The past leadership has failed to attract any new people to the party and also failed to generate any enthusiasm for candidates, programs and policies.

The election of the Row "A" candidates will put the Democratic Town Committee in position to rejuvenate the party and stake our claim for political success in the future.

William T. Riiska is a candidate for the Winchester Democratic Town Committee.