Schiebel shows integrity and character

As a former Oneida County Legislator from Verona, I cherished my opportunity to serve and always considered it a privilege to have done so. It has always been my position that everyone should experience it. However, today’s political climate is nasty and dirty as ever, even at the local level.

Fake news, accusations of voter intimidation, biased claims; who can you believe? Can’t happen locally? Think again.

In the race for Oneida County Legislator, it’s easy to compare candidates. As an elected official, incumbent Keith Schiebel has risen to the challenge of public scrutiny. Schiebel continues to be above the political mud-slinging and rhetoric brought on by a six-month campaign.

In any campaign it’s acceptable to be critical; it is not acceptable to promote shameless lies. False claims made by candidates leave voters disenfranchised and cynical. For example, a front-page Sept. 12 Oneida Dispatch advertisement claims an issue as “Governor Cuomo/Picente & Schiebel Indian Agreement.” How is this even possible when the agreement referenced was signed in 2013, but Schiebel didn’t take office until 2016? Simply put, this is a blatant attempt to misinform the public and misrepresent the candidates.

Another example of misrepresentation is in the recent state funding received by Oneida Castle. Mayor Deschamps, Trustees Ackerman and Healy, and a host of village officials are to be recognized and commended for their hard work, persistence, and efforts in securing these state monies. Any legislative candidate that takes credit for their work or tells the residents of Oneida Castle anything else should be ashamed of themselves. As a member of the Oneida Castle Fire Department, I find it highly offensive that someone would campaign in this manner.

It’s one thing to debate issues and topics in a civil manner. It’s another to disrespectfully attack and belittle your opponent. Maybe the real reason to avoid debates is that issues become distorted, twisted, and misrepresented in debates that have no grounds for civility. Why would anyone debate a person whose nature is confrontational and bullying?

Demonstrating support of a candidate by placing a sign in your yard is one thing. It is our right and freedom to do so. Being intimidated or harassed to place a sign in your yard is a different issue. Why should anyone be subjected to harassment to appease a candidate? But remember, signs don’t vote for candidates; people do.

When deciding your vote, what characteristics do you look for in a candidate? I look for two things — integ- rity and character. Do you choose substance over rhetoric? Honesty over arrogance? Compassion over conceit? In the upcoming election, there is clearly one choice — the candidate with character and integrity — that stands above in every way. Join me in voting for Keith Schiebel to serve a second term as our Oneida County Legislator from District 1.