I've often heard people say that their vote won't make any difference.

Often cited is the proverbial "dime's-worth of difference" between the Democrats and Republicans. Primary Day turnout seemed to suggest that apathy and frustration with electoral choices is widespread. Unfortunately, many are unaware that, in addition to the Democrat and Republican, there are three other candidates in the race - Carla Howell (Libertarian), Jill Stein (Green Party) and Barbara Johnson (Independent) - all of whom are duly qualified and on the November ballot.

As recently as last week, major media outlets sponsored a debate for gubernatorial candidates. In a shocking display of arrogance and censorship, the Boston Media Consortium refused to allow these three women candidates to participate in the debate. The stated reason for denying these women access - low polling numbers - is silly and, at best, illogical.

Of course voters tend not to commit to candidates who have been ignored by major media! The unstated reasons are far more troubling. Fear of diversity and the silencing of competing ideas can have a devastating effect on democracy. Voters need information and they have often expressed the desire for greater choice among candidates. Since "voters" are also "viewers", it's difficult to imagine why the media would not want to enliven the debates by including diverse viewpoints.

In November, I plan to vote for Carla Howell - the Libertarian Party candidate for Governor. Carla has proposed thoughtful and original approaches to addressing the problems the state has been facing for the last several years. Her innovative solutions specifically address issues that Dorchester residents care about: the budget, public safety, criminal justice, education and the environment. These solutions arise out of the basic assumption that all people should be free.

American society has come a long way when it comes to individual freedom - but our persistent battle with dependence on "government" shows that there's still more work to do. When people are free, they can creatively work to help themselves and each other.

In Dorchester, we do this for each other time and time again - yet it seems that only Carla Howell acknowledges that this is possible. For most politicians, elections are about reminding us of how much we need them to take care of us. Yet, expensive government programs do not solve problems. They, by definition, involve coercive regulation and taxation that stifle community participation and burden working people. Libertarians recognize that solutions to complex issues must come from individuals and groups of people working together rather than from a government agency.

I'm also voting for Carla Howell because she's the only candidate who is exhibiting common sense on the budget. To regain fiscal stability, the state must dramatically decrease spending. Carla has demonstrated that she

supports the moral imperative of reducing the tax burden on all citizens.

We must secure the future for our children by permanently ending the practice of promising government spending to buy the votes of struggling citizens and to reward supporters. Carla has suggested eliminating the

state income tax. This would help all people and would stop the ever-growing drain of money from working people to wealthy government officials.

No candidate is perfect. There should always be room in debates for peopl with new ideas. Healthy debate and competition is the American way. There is no candidate better suited to balance the monopoly of power that

currently exists on Beacon Hill than the Libertarian candidate, Carla Howell.

(Geoff O'Hara of Ocean Street is a lifelong resident of Dorchester)