Dear Fellow St. Maarteners,
If you are on the same wavelength as many on the island, your interest in the upcoming elections and the postulated candidates is zero to none so I am writing this letter to jumpstart my motivation to get out and vote in February, something I said I would not do, for the first time since the voting age of 18. However, I have been reminded that if I don’t vote, then I have no say in the future progress of our precious home.
Whatever. It never seems to make a difference anyway.
If the entire country stood up and rejected elections, then YAY, that would send a message, but, alas, we can’t even gather more than 7 people to protest our poisonous dump, so vote I shall.
To help myself with my choices on the big day, I have created a list of who I will NOT vote for, and have therefore narrowed it down immensely. Hopefully, it can also help you to decide who to elect to run our country:
- I will not vote for anyone who did not come out after Irma and sweat and work with the people, cleaning, fixing or distributing food and water. Playing dominos does not count for work.
- I will not vote for anyone who has not been active in their community in their own personal time. Before you were a politician, before you decided to run for elections. While you were growing up, but not now, just weeks before elections. That does not count in my book.
- I will not vote for anyone who frequents brothels. At all. Even if it is just for a meeting. On Tuesdays. As you say. You should be someone my children can look up to and respect. If you meet your colleagues at Casa Blanca, Capitan or any one of our many adult establishments, I have no respect for you.
- I will not vote for someone who has already been in parliament or an acting minister and has not accomplished anything constructive during their time there. If we are paying you over NAf. 10,000 per month, you better damn well show something for it.
I will vote for someone with a positive, intelligent and action-focused mindset. Someone who speaks clearly and is respectful and well mannered. Someone who spends quality time with their wives or husbands and children, who shows love and appreciation for our people and our environment. Someone who is an active supporter of any cause whether it be animal welfare, sports organizations, senior citizens, etc.
In my opinion, if you are ready to hold a prominent position, leading this country, you should be a contributor to our society in any way you can.
This person gets my vote.
Susy Piscione
