National and state politics get most of the media’s attention, yet 90 percent of our democracy functions locally. The citizen volunteers that serve on town boards, councils and commissions are the true champions of our system of government and the bedrock of our communities. They put in long hard hours away from family and their work to serve fellow town residents. 

Serving in office is often difficult, demanding, time consuming and contentious. It takes courage and commitment, but it is necessary to safeguard our democracy and for our republic to endure. 

This year many terrific local candidates, on both sides of the aisle, ran for office. Whether or not a candidate won, they should be recognized and thanked for stepping up.  

Those that serve on our local Republican and Democratic town committees should also be recognized and thanked for recruiting and supporting candidates to run for these vital positions in our town government. As everyone can see, the election process can be grueling and is not for the faint of heart. Congratulations to those that ran on Nov. 5 and to those that will now hold office. We are grateful to all of you. 

Toni Boucher

Former state senator, representative, selectman and school board member.

Wilton