It’s a beautiful day today. I’m writing this on June 10. It’s Election Day in many towns across the state. It’s a perfect day for an election. The sun is out, and the forecasted rain seems to have gotten lost. In my town of Standish, candidates formed a receiving line at 6 a.m. to greet voters of our town. We are voting for a number of positions on the Town Council, School Board, and various other committees. We are also voting for a bond referendum, and even our School District budget. For those of you who voted today, thank you.

238 years ago, on June 7, 1776, Richard Henry Lee, a statesman from Virginia, and member of the 2nd Continental Congress, stood up and made a motion calling for the (American) colonies’ independence from Great Britain. His motion carried great risk to America. An all-out war with Britain – the world’s greatest military power could have dire consequences. The Congress was divided. Nonetheless, Mr. Lee called for that infamous vote and started the chain of events, which eventually led us to that famous day in history – July 4, 1776.

Our country has come a long way since then. We’ve endured many conflicts both here and abroad. We’ve fought for our freedoms and rights. We are a free country with a democratic rule. We apply that rule right here in our town of Standish. We have the right to vote. Like Richard Henry Lee, each and every one of us can make a difference in our town. Our opinions may not be popular with everyone, yet we have a right to express them, and work toward change.

Standish is a great town. We’ve got great people. Working together, we can become even greater. For those of you who voted today, thank you again. Yes, it’s a beautiful day today.

Dan Kasprzyk

Standish