Shelton newcomer Erica Schwarz is already trying to make her mark on the city.
The self-described "politically active" resident of Montgomery Street was disappointed that she had not yet heard about the city's candidates with about six weeks left in the election.
She soon discovered the Shelton League of Women Voters was inactive. But not for long.
"The Bridgeport Area League of Women Voters includes Bridgeport, Trumbull, Stratford, Monroe and Shelton, but there had been no active leaders to carry on any tasks in Shelton in recent years," she said recently.
She is looking for Shelton residents who are interested in participating.
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"The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government and works to increase understanding of local public policy issues. The League of Women Voters does not endorse any candidates or political parties. The goal of the organization is to increase voter participation, so that elected leaders represent the entire community," Schwarz said.
Schwarz moved to Shelton recently from outside of Boston, where she was politically active.
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"In Shelton, I was surprised that – only 6 weeks before the November election -‐ I was unable to find a complete list of candidates for the local election, and I had received no campaign mail, despite having registered to vote locally in July," Schwarz said.
“I’m eager to get involved in my new home community, but it’s been hard to find information about the upcoming election. Restarting the Shelton branch of the League of Women Voters is a great way to help get information on candidates out to the public and increase the public’s participation in our local government. I hope to meet a few others who want to join me in this effort.”
To start, Schwarz said she will be working to get information on candidates for the Nov. 5 election on the City’s website, "which still shows information from 2012."
She added she'll also be getting some information on the League of Women Voter’s website and working to post information elsewhere throughout the City.
While no debates are scheduled yet for this election, activities in future years may include candidates forums, voter registration drives for new Shelton residents and voters guides with information from the campaigns of candidates up for election.
Shelton residents interested in getting involved with the new Shelton division of the League of Women Voters may contact Schwarz at 617-233-2394 or Erica_Schwarz@hotmail.com.
Women and men are both welcome to participate.
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