Letter to the Editor: Character counts

Trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship: these are the six pillars of character, prominently displayed at our schools. They represent the things we value as a community; that we want our children to have. These are the most crucial things to consider when selecting someone to hire or elect to public office. Character is more important than party platforms or what candidates say they will do if elected. In office, they will be faced with situations and events that weren’t part of the discussion during campaigns. Unexpected events like the Iranian revolution, the 9/11 attack, and the Covid pandemic often define and sometimes derail a president’s legacy. Unexpected events such as extreme weather, the loss of a major employer, the arrival of new business, and global events challenge state and local officeholders. At every level, when the unexpected happens, decisions are driven by character.

Think about the attributes of each candidate as you decide upon your vote. Consider first and foremost if they demonstrate trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship. More than anything you see and hear during a campaign, those attributes will tell you how they will govern.

Tim Blount

Newton