||| FROM WILLIAM APPEL |||
These are polarized times. While all are free to express their opinions, I believe it renders little if any service to the public for a political party to support nonpartisan county candidates. The original county charter made offices controlled by the charter non- partisan, and the first Charter Review Commission saw no reason to change this.
Although there are philosophical differences between political parties, county government is not readily amenable to grand schemes espoused by partisan political parties. There are deeply environmentally committed and community-minded Republicans, and there are Democrats who, notwithstanding their general support for communitarian principles, are deeply conscious of their own property rights and status.
County governance, with its limited powers and limited resources, requires virtual acrobatics to make things work for all. It is the place for experienced pragmatists who can survive in the middle, while criticized from all sides (there are more than two; perfectionists come in many flavors).
Rick Hughes is in the middle, prepared to represent the interests of all, and I support him.
Full disclosure: I am running for Charter Review Commissioner and did not request support from the Democratic Party of which I am a member.
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Amen. It is sad to see partisanship creeping back into our elections. There’s enough of that on the mainland.
We are facing a serious economic challenge, not only for individual families and small businesses, but also for County government. I think we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg. It will be important for our Council representative to understand the truly complex County/State/Federal government relationships.
I totally agree. I was so disappointed to see that some people were trying to turn what has ALWAYS been a nonpartisan race into a political one. We need to vote for the best candidate with the most experience to our council positions. Pleases think long and hard about that.
Well said, Bill and Peg and Leith. Decades ago, I had an American Government professor who said “I’m an extremist of the Center”. With each decade since, I have come to appreciate his wisdom more!! As I see it, a centrist disavows “team politics”, and tries to critically analyze each issue on its own merits and each candidacy on what that candidate might be expected to accomplish. Competence is perhaps the most critical attribute, and effectiveness requires the ability to see and evaluate all sides. Things ain’t never black and white, they’re always gray. At County level, especially, few issues are red or blue — they’re mostly gray.
If Cindy Wolf wins, and I am endorsing neither here, Rick Hughes should be able to assist with that transition in whatever capacity would be best. Let’s throw old dogma out the window. If Cindy wins, I hope Rick can be counseled with about the necessities and connections that he has nurtured and built up. Our county does not have to be a dogfight, we can all get through this together, and support each other in the future, no matter who wins. We are small enough, that we all know each other, practically. We don’t need division. Let’s all come to the table and create paradise. These Islands could be that, if we try. Let’s get as close as we can!!
Peace be with you all, in these times.
Yes, if you’re one of those “down the middle, status quo, normal is good enough for me, I like the direction that we’re headed” type individuals– you should vote for Rick Hughes.
If you think we deserve better, and you want to see real change vote for Cindy Wolf.