Since this letter is to be published just before our General Elections, I wanted to take a moment to talk to you about what it means to all of us.
    The United States is the most democratic country in the world. Note that I spell democratic with a small “d” and do not capitalize it for party purposes.
    Whether you live in Middletown, Blackbird, Dover, Smyrna or Clayton, you can go to the polls on Tuesday, November 4th and cast your vote for the candidate of your choice. It’s a simple process, that takes just a few minutes of your time, but it’s the most important right you, as a citizen, have. This year is an historic year for all of us. The choices couldn’t be more separate and the responsibility faced by the winners at all levels of government will be awesome, when they are sworn in.
    Delaware, like the rest of the nation and world, is in financial distress at the moment. We’ll need dependable office holders to guide us through these next couple of years. It’s going to take people with good sense, the ability to adjust and make very tough decisions, no matter in Dover or Washington.
    I urge you to make your decisions carefully. We are all in this together, so take a minute to vote. This may be the most important election of a lifetime.
Turn back clocks Nov. 1,
check smoke detectors
    On another note, November 1st marks the day we turn back our clocks. Remember, Spring-forward, Fall-back. Well, it’s time to check your clocks and set them back an hour when you go to be on November 1st.
    It’s also time to check the battery in your smoke detectors.
    The Delaware Volunteer Firemen’s Association has been working on the smoke detector program now for several years and you’ll see articles sponsored by and promoting Wake Up Delaware. Delaware’s program is the first of it’s kind in the nation and is being looked at by fire services everywhere as an example of how public awareness really works.
    Wake Up Delaware is a program which has given away tens of thousands of smoke detectors through each local volunteer fire company, as well as replacement batteries. If you don’t have a smoke detector, go to your local fire department and they’ll be glad to give you one for free.
    Remember, Wake Up Delaware has a simple slogan: “No Batteries, No Survivors, No Reason.” It’s a stark reminder of the need for fire safety and working smoke detectors. If you don’t have one, go to your local fire department and get one. It could very well save your life.