Many of you may not know me; I currently have three children in the Region 4 school system and have had for many years. My eldest daughter is now a sophomore at Valley Regional High School. Those of you who serve on boards and committees, attend Board of Selectmen meetings, and attend town meetings may know my daughter because she has attended all of the above with me, as well as private meetings and various other events. She has followed local town politics for some time now. Currently, this year, she is taking a civics class. As a political science/international administration major, I take great pride in explaining both the importance of being proactive and engaged as well as fair and civically minded.

In no time at all, she will be of voting age, as will her friends, some of who are already eligible and registered to vote.

She has grown up understanding that her local vote was heard and made a difference. This has made an impression on her to be engaged and informed- not to allow representatives to decide and speak for you.

Currently, we have a selectman/town hall Forum. I believe that this engages young and new voters and volunteers.

I cannot imagine leaving her with a town charter that allows her to vote on the annual budget but little else because it was decided at town hall among three selectmen. I want to leave her a voice and continue her engagement, not replace it.

Your decision next month decides this going forward.

What are we leaving for the younger generation? Are we now encouraging fielded-out management and decision-making, or are we inviting them to be involved and participate?

You tell me.

Aaron K. Zain

Chester