Two residents are trying to launch two chapters of the League of Women Voters in the Valley.
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan political organization.
Cheryl Jansen of Shelton and Catherine Ernsky of Naugatuck are collaborating to plan meetings, recruit members and to educate the public about the League of Women Voters (LVW).
“We just want to see if there is an interest,” Ernsky said.” I will be responsible for Ansonia, Beacon Falls and Naugatuck and Cheryl is responsible for Shelton, Derby and Oxford.”
Jansen will host the first LVW meeting at the Shelton Community Center in mid-September. She plans on motivating attendees to join and to become involved in the community and politics.
“You always want to see more people voting but also participating, not just on the day of election,” Jansen said. “ People in Shelton and the Valley should know in general what’s going on.”
The women are aware that people have time and schedule conflicts but urge involvement.
“The biggest obstacle is everyone is working long hours, far from home and have no time to go to meetings,” Jansen said.” Unless there is an issue that effects their neighborhoods, then they are there.”
Jansen became interested in the LWV two years ago when she was running for State Representative for Shelton/Stratford.
Although she lost the election to Larry Miller, LWV won her respect and interest with the quality of debates they hosted. “I got a lot out of the debates,” Jansen said.
In addition to sponsoring debates, LWV chapters often host discussions on issues of local interest.
The biggest priority is for the women right now is to get members to join and to let people know that the League is forming.
The League needs between 15 to 20 members to become a chapter and six people to form a board of directors.
There is a $45 annual fee and the meetings will be quarterly unless there is a pressing political issue.
