All too often, it is easy for voters to conclude that their participation in the electoral process does not matter. In many instances, statewide race results are foregone conclusions, and in other instances, incumbent candidates run unopposed. It is no secret that midterm elections generally fail to generate voter enthusiasm. Well, here in Hampshire County there is a real opportunity for every vote to count and potentially make a deciding difference in the outcome of a locally important race. I am referring to the Hampshire County sheriff’s race, where the incumbent, after winning a mere plurality of votes in a three-way primary, will be the only name appearing on the ballot despite an ongoing series of complaints, investigations, allegations, and accusations of fiscal irresponsibility. In each instance, the response seems to have been status quo thinking or a lack of familiarity the Harry Truman truism that “the buck stops here.” There will be only one name on the ballot, and that is why your vote is more important than ever. It is my opinion that Yvonne Gittelson represents superior qualifications, fresh thinking, undeniable transparency, and the best choice for change in the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Office. Write-in or sticker contests are extraordinarily difficult to win, particularly when many early voting ballots may have already been cast without awareness that a serious write-in campaign was underway. This is what makes your vote so critically important. Please consider the fresh alternative that she offers, then write in “Yvonne Gittelson, 47 Main St. Goshen” on your ballot either on or before the general election on November 8th.
Peter Pelland
Haydenville