A Pope Pius XI once said, “It is not the negative forces of civilization that are the greatest problem of our time, but rather the lethargy of its good people” (apathetic majority).

I have always felt that my position to complain is very weak if I do not get involved, and vote. I genuinely believe that it is our responsibility to be involved and vote, and it is more critical today than ever before.

It starts with clarity of what is important to me (us). For me it is the rising cost of everything, food, utilities, heating our homes, and every aspect of medical care. Then how do we treat our neighbors, support and care for the elderly; are we mindful of the needs of our over-50 community and those struggling to survive?

Then secondly, where do our candidates stand on key issues — issues that matter to us. Not only what they say, but what they have done in the past. It is important to remember that they work for us — we the people, we the taxpayers, we the voters.

The time is now; elections are rapidly approaching. This is our opportunity to be involved and committed.

I urge each and every person to join me in being an informed voter. Reach out to the candidates and ask them the hard questions that connect them to what is important to us.

David Crossman, Lisbon Falls