To the Editor:

2014 has been a year beyond expectations. In addition to being the Democratic Party and Working Families Party 26th Senatorial District Candidate, I was also the recipient of the 2014 Volunteer of the Year Award from Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County. These activities brought into focus, for me, the fact that we have an unwritten obligation to one another of community service and to have an active role in government.

Community service I understood, active government participation I didn’t. Under fire I’ve learned the inner workings of running for political office. Our campaign could not have happened without the generous financial support of our donors and the dedicated effort of: Jason Culter my Campaign Treasurer and advisor; Madeleine Ball, Communications Director; Sal Liccone, Campaign Liaison Advisor, Brandon Rakowski, Social Media manager, the Democratic Party Chairpersons of Bethel, New Canaan, Redding, Ridgefield, Weston, Westport and Wilton. Thank you all so very much.

Based upon my experience and without reservation, I encourage everyone to become involved in the political process. Be it as a Democrat or a Republican, Working Families Party or United Party member; you have got to be in it so that all of us can win it.

Being an unaffiliated voter is giving up your opportunity for deciding what our final choices will be in the general elections. How you vote is your personal decision, however, what your choices will be are determined at the political party level. We need you, we want your input.

Being chosen to actively participate in our electoral process; and having the unencumbered opportunity to advocate ideas and opinions to improve the lives and living situations of my fellow citizens in Fairfield County and Connecticut was an opportunity for which I will be forever grateful.

So when does the electoral campaign end? Yogi’s passé phrase, “it’s over when it’s over,” does not ring true in our representative form of government. There is no start/stop date to the campaign cycle. I believe that the role of governing and holding those chosen to govern accountable for their actions, on our behalf, demand that we be vigilant and aware of their actions throughout their elected period. And so the campaign goes on and so will we.

Again thank you. My family and I wish you and yours a happy and healthy holiday.

Phil Sharlach