Castellucci: Why I'm Running
by Donald Castellucci, Jr. 

 Anyone running for office must give a lot of thought to the decision, whether it's a first-time campaign or one for re-election. In my case, the process has been the same before each campaign. It involves deciding if I can reach a balance between my family obligations and my constituent obligations. In this upcoming re-election campaign, it involved deciding if I could, by running again, effectively promote and implement my beliefs that Constitutional and traditional bedrock Republican principles can best benefit all of us.

 Most people who know me, understand that I am not a politician, according to what many people see as the definition of a politician. I'm not in it for the photo ops, or for shaking every hand I can manage to shake, or to promote the things I have done. If my motivations ever became mired in politics instead of ideas, I would step down. I look to my supporters for continuing input to ensure that ideas remain in the forefront of my political activities!

 When I started in the political arena, it was with the idea that I was "going to change the world" -- or at least the parts of it that I could impact. Ronald Reagan's ideas brought to the grassroots level became the motivation that led me to run for office. Being in office has tempered my thoughts about how easy it would be to do that. It's very difficult to put ideas into action in today's circumstances. But, it has only increased my belief that the more we are led away from beliefs such as Reagan's, the more problems we are going to have to deal with as elected officials and constituents.

 Family obligations are, or should be, a major part of anyone's life. In politics there are even more demands on a family, particularly one with active children. Aside from the time needed for political obligations, there is the consideration that the family is exposed to the negative, as well as the positive effects of being part of a political family. It's a major factor in deciding to run for office, if a balance in family obligations vs. political obligations can be reached.

 In my case, I have been lucky to have an understanding and supportive wife and children. We have learned to intertwine political life and family life, so that neither suffers. The children, especially, have also had the opportunity to become aware of the political process, from elections to issues, and this will serve them well when they become old enough to vote and become involved in community and political issues. If at any point politics overbalanced family obligations, I would have to make the difficult decision and bow out of public life until such time as family obligations could again be in balance with political involvement.

 Ideas are not enough. There is continuing need to work to implement those ideas. The goal of keeping costs down and quality of life at a high standard is a primary concern. Economic development, zoning and property rights, controlling costs while creating opportunity for younger people to remain here, are all issues which remain high on my list of Town concerns. There must be a balance between needs and wants, and between programs and ability to pay for them, without mortgaging the financial futures of the upcoming generations.

 The past eight years have flown by, and some Town needs have changed, but the bottom line remains that high quality of life is not possible without incomes to sustain that quality. We need to be concerned with those struggling to survive financially, as much or more than with those whose incomes are secure and comfortable.

 Those are my reasons for running, and I hope you share my concerns and ideas. One person, even with good motivation, concerns for the Town, ideas and ideals, can't accomplish what needs to be done. It will take the added involvement of those I pledge, to the best of my ability, to work for.

 I hope to see you on the campaign trail. Even more I hope to have your support, and your ongoing input and help.