The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. We welcome supporting or opposing views on any published item. Received June 30, 2023.
Sorting through old files, I found an old newspaper clipping, a Letter to the Editor written by Dr. John Korab and published in the Hartford Courant in October 1999. This is from our old country doctor’s letter:
“I am writing this letter to voters of Haddam regardless of party affiliation or age group. For many years I had the pleasure of living in Haddam and serving as Health Director, First Selectman and chairman of both the Board of Finance and the Democratic Town Committee. These positions taught me that to have a government with harmony one must:
- Listen to and work with others.
- Serve the town’s interest, not self-promotion or special interests.
- Maintain a humble, not arrogant, attitude.
- Be honest and use straight talk.
- Admit mistakes.
- Accept criticism with grace.
- Plan carefully, do not rush to judgment.
- Insist that all rules and regulations are followed.
- Follow existing health, fire, planning and zoning and inland wetlands regulations and codes.
- Never follow the practice that goals can be justified by any means.
The balance of the letter pertained to the issues of the day. I’d like to add a few more thoughts for potential candidates:
- Don’t run to enhance your resume.
- Don’t run if you can’t make the meetings.
- Don’t run if a party asks you to help fill their ballot.
Haddam has many talented citizens who can serve the community well. Let’s hope we see their names on the ballots this fall.
Respectfully,
Sally Haase, Haddam
