Connect Ghent was founded in 2021 on a very simple idea: In local government, people matter more than party. We select the best people and support them, regardless of their political affiliation. We insist those people agree to look beyond political lines, and work together for the good of the Town. As a result, Connect Ghent has endorsed and nominated people with all kinds of different letters after their name – R, D, C, NOP, you name it.

So, does it actually work? You bet it does. Connect Ghent began in earnest with the 2021 town elections. It was a contentious time in Ghent politics. One party spent an unprecedented amount of money – nearly $50,000 – on their campaign. In opposition, Connect Ghent nominated three newcomers and spent a fraction of the other parties.  We simply told their story, and our idea about how nonpartisan local government could work. A positive campaign about good ideas and better governance. Those three candidates prevailed, and it was a turning point for the town. After the loss, the remaining board members chose to resign, and two new board members were appointed, and subsequently elected (also Connect Ghent candidates). 

Connect Ghent is a model for how good local governance can be achieved, but it takes people willing to move past party politics, and simply consider who will be best for the town. We don’t ask anyone to change their party or how they vote beyond the Town – this is purely about small town governance. We believe our neighbors are capable of this, and we plan to continue our efforts to ensure Ghent remains a great place to live.  We hope you will join our work!