I’m a registered unaffiliated voter. I take pride in my independence when it comes to voting, caring more about policy and character than political parties when I step into the voting booth. So it was disappointing to read that the Little Compton Republican Town Committee has opted out, in lock step, from the October 27 candidates’ forum. (Sakonnet Times 20 October: Republicans decline to participate in Oct. 27 forum). I find it hard to believe that all eight of the Republicans running for the available seats have a conflict with scheduling on the 27^th; and more importantly, that there is not one of them that would benefit from the chance to explain their stand on issues and policies in person, to their fellow citizens.

 I look for a candidate who is open minded when it comes to the governing of town affairs, be it a member of the town council or school committee, not someone who allows a partisan town committee to speak for and decide for them.

 Again, I do not care about which party someone is affiliated with, and hope that non-partisan elections becomes the norm in Little Compton quite soon.

  Suzanne A St Amour

Little Compton