I have been involved in Lincoln’s government in some way, shape or form for over a decade. I closely follow news coming out of Town Hall, participate often at town meetings, frequently meet with our elected officials, and was a member of our Safe Streets Task Force.
Despite all the talk of Democrats and Republicans being forever locked in partisan combat, I have seen time and time again that the most important challenges facing our community are non-partisan: fixing potholes, protecting our woodlands, making our streets safe for pedestrians, and more. Public service is about solving problems and helping people, not partisan games.
As chairperson of Lincoln Democrats, I am proud of our support for Nelly Burdette for State Senate and Bonnie Taylor for Town Council, not because they have a ‘D’ next to their names, but because they understand what public service is all about. They are hard workers, good listeners, and will serve all their constituents regardless of party. They understand the importance of solving problems proactively rather than reactively, and they will engage with residents year-round and not just when they need your vote.
There is one other competitive local race that deserves the attention of Lincolnites and that is Town Council in Limerock and Albion. Despite the current councilmember being a Democrat, Lincoln Democrats voted unanimously to endorse independent Edward “Teddy” Sullivan.
Like Nelly and Bonnie, Teddy understands what public service is all about and is dedicated to the community he and his family call home. He was a poll worker for more than 10 years and opened his business ‘Public House’ here. He represented small business owners on the committee that drafted our Comprehensive Plan and was voted onto the Board of Canvassers unanimously. Teddy, along with Bonnie, will bring a new perspective to the Town Council if elected; they would be the only working parents with kids currently in Lincoln Public Schools and the only councilors younger than 50.
I wish to keep this only positive, but we owe it to voters to address why Lincoln Democrats chose not to endorse the Democrat. To put it simply: Limerock and Albion have a benchwarmer councilor. I have attended almost every council meeting over the last five years and she rarely participates. She is the Public Safety Subcommittee chair and yet, she has not held a single meeting. I served on the Safe Streets Task Force with her, and she missed half of the meetings and all the public workshops. The last straw was two erroneous claims to the Town Council this year seeking $100,000 from taxpayers because she was not successful in suing the town in court. She should know better.
Elections are not always about the party. Sometimes, it is about the people. Teddy, as well as Nelly and Bonnie, will serve this town honorably and will fight every day for working people and families in town. Lincoln Democrats are proud to support them, and we encourage everyone to do the same.
Cameron Deutsch
Lincoln Democratic Town Committee Chairperson
