The League of Women Voters of Martha’s Vineyard held a forum on August 17 for candidates running for our district senate and house of representative seats. We were so pleased to have a full attendance by the 11 candidates and standing room only of interested persons.

The event was held at the Grange Hall in West Tisbury and filmed for viewing and streaming on our local cable MVTV channel.

We found ourselves excited by the response from all the candidates stating their desire to attend the forum. The challenge then became how to conduct a program within the allotted timeline for the event that allows each of the candidates time to talk about themselves and positions on topics pertinent to our Vineyard community. The questions asked the candidates included:

• Their position on sustainable funding for the Island’s shellfish propagation program.

• How should the commonwealth address the current opioid crisis.

• Their position on the proposed carbon tax and on wind farms in our coastal region.

We also received a message from our current Rep. Tim Madden, that we would like to include in this letter:

“It has been a privilege and an honor to serve as representative for the Cape and Islands over the past several years. I truly believe it is the most special district in the commonwealth. Not only is it beautiful, but it has some of the most bright, caring and conscientious constituents one could hope to represent. I will miss interacting with all of the wonderful people in my district and visiting the vibrant communities that make up the Cape and Islands. I hope whoever is successful appreciates just as much as I do, what makes each community unique.

“As much as I would like to be with you tonight, a prior commitment has me in Falmouth but I want to thank the League of Women Voters and the people of Martha’s Vineyard for holding this forum. We are fortunate to have so many people willing to serve and I wish them well. In closing, I would especially like to thank all the people of my district for their support, friendship and kindness.”

With the Sept. 8 state primary fast approaching, we know there is a continued need for more unbiased, nonpartisan voter information.

To assist voters, the League of Women Voters of Massachusetts is publishing an online Voters Guide (www.VOTE411.org) that features information about primary candidates for all offices on the ballot. This online guide went live on August 18. Only those candidates who face a challenger in the primary election have been asked to respond for this primary guide.

By entering a street address, any Massachusetts voter can access personalized ballot information — including candidates’ biographical information and answers to specific questions for all primary races on his or her ballot.

Remember, democracy is not a spectator sport.

Judy Crawford
West Tisbury

This letter was also signed by Deborah Medders, Bea Phear, Joyce Rickson and Rise Terney, members of the League of Women Voters Martha’s Vineyard.