Letter: ‘Lifelong Republican’ Urges Others To Vote Kit Devereaux for First Selectman

Sir:

As a Republican, indeed a lifelong Republican, I find myself impelled to write to express my whole-hearted support for the better candidate this year for first selectman, the significantly more qualified candidate for first selectman, and in fact, from my perspective, the only temperamentally equipped, experientially qualified candidate: Kit Devereaux. I urge New Canaan voters, however registered, whether affiliated with a party or not, to do as I intend to do: vote on November 7 for Kit Devereaux for first selectman.

In today’s political world, characterizations and categories seem increasingly to predominate in determining how and for whom to vote. But for me, the only characterization that matters is competence; the only category is community commitment. Kit reflects both.

I have read and heard my party’s call for “party loyalty,” meaning Republicans should vote straight Republican—just because. I disagree, in deciding to cast one’s vote to reflect party “loyalty,” abdicates one’s own exercise of personal, independent judgment and chooses conformity over competence.

So, this year, for first selectman, I’m not voting for a Republican; and I’m not voting for a Democrat; in fact I’m not voting on the basis of any characterizations, categories or qualities, other than character and competence; I’m voting for Kit. So, I urge, should you.

Very truly yours,

Frederick L. Whitmer