Reward candidates with positive focus

As many candidates and voters gear up for the upcoming election in November, I believe it to be important that we all keep a few questions in mind, in addition to who is running. What qualifications do they have? What platform will they represent? What is the strategic plan they propose to implement if elected? I think it is far more important to highlight these points than point out negatives of an opponent. If an individual can not simply campaign for themselves but needs to resort to attack ads and negative tactics, that’s a red flag for me, as it should be for you. I would like to see a Democratic candidate and a Republican candidate that can run on their own merit rather than by the position of not being as bad as the other guy.

I want an administrative leader whether it be state representative, mayor, town councilman, board of education member, or board of finance member, in fact any and all elected officials, that I can respect and believe in. We should not be voting for most popular, most charismatic or most likely to succeed. I do not want a leader who’s highlight is that they are the lesser of two evils. Your town deserves leaders who are qualified, individuals who have an analytical mind and strategic plan that they can set on their own. I want to support a political platform that will move my town forward. I want a plan not just a promise to do better.

This is something everyone needs to think about now and in the future. We the people choose those individuals that best represent us — president, senator, governor and local municipalities. Remember, it starts with you and your vote. Michele A. DeLucia Professor of Psychology Southern Connecticut State University