Why Green?

The Whitneyville Branch Library at Putnam Avenue and Carleton Street.

In 2000, I switched from being registered as an unaffiliated voter to the Green Party. I have never been a fan of “politicians” or big-money politics, so choosing to join a political organization was dependant upon its platform reflecting my values and beliefs. I found what I was looking for in the Greens.

The Green Party’s platform is based upon what are known as the “Ten Key Values.” All of these values are essential in establishing a truly just, democratic and sustainable society and world community, but I’ve outlined below the values which I feel are most important for seeing positive changes occur in Hamden’s legislature.

Grassroots Democracy

Politician
Pol·i·ti·cian – n.
One who seeks personal or partisan gain, often by scheming and maneuvering: Mothers may still want their favorite sons to grow up to be President, but… they do not want them to become politicians in the process John F. Kennedy
American Heritage Dictionary

Politics has become a hidden game, and those who play it, “politicians,” are now literally a dirty word. The very best government springs from the participation of normal folk at the grassroots level, and town governments have the unique opportunity to function as model democracies.

As a Green, I consider my duty to be serving the common good of my neighbors and the town. Divisive party politics is the last thing on my mind. My goal is to involve as many of our residents as possible in governing our town, furthering truthful communication and consistent accountability between our citizens and governing officials.

Social Justice

All persons should have the rights and opportunity to benefit equally from the resources afforded us by society and the environment. Every single person struggles in their own ways, but systematic oppression continues to occur particularly for those who live in the more urbanized areas of Connecticut. The quality of life suffers when barriers such as racism, classism, homophobia, sexism, ageism or inaccessibility are present. All too often blight, pollution, crime and poor municipal services claim these areas of our towns and cities. Our local government has a duty to overcome these barriers and provide for equal justice for its citizens, and this is what I hope to begin to see occur, particularly in southern Hamden.

Community Based Economics

Economic security and the ability to hold a job that pays a living, fair wage should be available to everyone, but sadly, they are not. Democracy in the workplace and fair income levels are often overshadowed by the enormous influence of corporations and the myth of “new job creation.”

Locally owned businesses need to be encouraged, while far greater scrutiny needs to be paid to the large corporate entities making Hamden their “home.” Again, the effects on our quality of life should be our main concern. Traffic mediation, environmentally responsible methods for building and conducting business, livable wages, infrastructure improvements, contracts with surrounding communities and payment of their fair share of taxes and fees should be requirements of doing business in our beautiful town.

Future Focus & Sustainability

I feel that maintaining a focus on the future consequences and sustainability of our decisions encompasses many of the other GP values, including ecological wisdom. I would like to see Hamden make improving and maintaining the quality of life, rather than open-ended economic growth, our legislative focus.

The Hamden Green Party is the local chapter of the Green Party of the United States, the third largest political party in the U.S., with over 220 office holders nationwide. The Green Party is an international organization of grassroots activists, environmentalists, advocates for social justice and nonviolence, and regular citizens who’ve had enough of corporate-dominated politics. Greens are committed to many issues, including universal health care, alternative energy, election reform and decent, living wages for workers.