Coffee in Coby - Declaring Independence

Author’s Note: my continued analysis and coverage of the Russo-Ukrainian War will resume in my July 11th Column. Thank you.

I know this is unlikely to surprise anyone…but I have been deeply interested and involved in politics since I was fifteen years old. 

Over the past seventeen years, I have worked on and supported many political campaigns - Democratic, Independent, Libertarian, and Republican - with offices ranging from Schoharie County Coroner to United States President. I have also been a registered member of both the Republican and Democratic Parties. 

As of today, that affiliation is now officially past-tense as I am enrolled with “No Party” and my registration formally reflects my beliefs: Independent. 

Here is a secret: I have been a terrible member of both the Democratic and Republican Parties because I have always voted my conscience, especially in local elections. Not one of my ballots has ever been a party-line vote, as neither Republicans nor Democrats have a monopoly on competence or effectiveness in office. 

Furthermore, as a Village Mayor, I work regularly with both Democrats and Republicans in both Albany and Washington, D.C. on behalf of my constituents. And when these officials accomplish something to our benefit, I will vote for them regardless of their party because constituent service can be very instrumental for us. 

In a sense this feels freeing, as I have deeply resented the polarization that has come to define party politics throughout my adult life. I do not understand the mentality that leads someone to support unqualified candidates - such as Ken Paxton in Texas or Graham Platner in Maine - just because of a letter next to their name. 

It has also led me to the conclusion that more elected offices should be non-partisan. There is no Republican nor Democratic position on most local issues, especially as it relates to funding public infrastructure, supporting local fire departments, and providing services. It comes down to your competency and your resources. 

This is a topic that I could go on for some time, so I will digress while I am ahead and simply conclude by declaring: it feels good to be Independent.

Greetings! I am planning a “mailbag” edition of Coffee in Coby soon, so please send any questions you may have for me about Schoharie County politics, the Atlanta Braves 2021 World Series title or whatever else, and it might just be included. My email is timothycknight93@gmail.com.