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*This column originally appeared in the Republican-American Newspaper on Monday, September 30, 2019 Election Day is Nov. 5, and this year we cast ballots for our municipal leaders. In Waterbury, that means voting for mayor, members of the Board of Aldermen, Board of Education, city clerk, city sheriff and judge of probate. It’s been four years since the city voted for mayor, because 2015 was the first time a mayor was elected to a four-year term. That might have contributed to the low turnout two years ago; in 2017, just 14 percent of registered voters went to the polls. This year, the ballot features four candidates: incumbent Mayor Neil M. O’Leary, a Democrat seeking a third term; Republican candidate Raymond Work; Independent Party candidate Vernon Matthews Jr., who also is seeking re-election as a Republican alderman in the 2nd District, and Keisha Gilliams, a petitioning candidate. All four candidates on the ballot will participate in our 2019 Mayoral Debate and Luncheon, to be held this Wednesday from noon to 2 p.m. at La Bella Vista in Waterbury. This event will include lunch at noon, followed by the debate. Managing Editor Anne Karolyi of the Republican-American will serve as moderator for the debate, which will feature questions prepared by the Chamber with input from the Republican-American. Questions will focus on business-related issues, including taxes, economic development and quality of life. They also will reflect the goals and objectives of the Chamber’s Municipal Agenda, which is produced annually by our Public Policy Committee and approved by our Executive Committee and Board of Directors. The Municipal Agenda joins our annual Legislative & Regional Agenda, which outlines the policy priorities and objectives for the state legislature on behalf of our business members, and which we share with the legislative delegation from Greater Waterbury. “Members of our Public Policy Committee believe municipal elections are important, but can be overlooked by voters more focused on national issues,” said William J. Palomba of Blasius Chevrolet Cadillac and the Chamber’s vice chairman for public policy. “The reality is, local elections have a more direct impact on their wallets.” We hope you’ll join us at this important event, and vote on Nov. 5. To attend, call the Chamber at 203-757-0701 or register online at www.waterburychamber.com Lynn Ward is president and CEO of the Waterbury Regional Chamber. Contact her at 203-757-0701 Ext. 310 or lward@waterburychamber.com.