Letter: Stop personal attacks and focus on issues

Let me start by saying that I am a true independent voter, often splitting my vote between parties. I vote according to what the candidate has declared as their platform and goals if elected. I also take into consideration my...

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Let me start by saying that I am a true independent voter, often splitting my vote between parties. I vote according to what the candidate has declared as their platform and goals if elected. I also take into consideration my judgment of the candidate’s personal values including integrity, character, honesty and respect.

I have not observed many of these traits coming from the Democrat candidates running for office this year in Richmond. I had noticed many personal attacks on social media through the election season from the Democrats with constant belittling of the Republicans with misinformation and misinterpretation. The telling moment for me came as I watched in disbelief as the current, newly elected president of the Richmond Democrats stood at the public forum portion of a School Committee meeting and with no provocation proceeded to disparage personally Richmond Republican School Committee candidate Louise Dinsmore.



His personal attack was apparently in regards to Louise supporting the Moms for Liberty group. Does running for public office prevent you from having personal beliefs and values? I researched the Moms for Liberty group, and it seems they basically want parents to have a say in their child’s education. Is this bad? I think parents should have the right to be involved in every aspect of their child’s education.

I have never witnessed such anger and verbal attacks in a local election as we are witnessing this year from the Democrats in Richmond. At the next School Committee meeting, Louise Dinsmore did address the personal attack and said the personal attacks on herself and her family need to stop! I believe the constant persecution and attacks on the Republican candidates from the Democrats is hurting them in the long run. The Richmond Democrats should focus on the issues facing our town and their own goals if elected rather than continually berating the Republicans.

Thus far, I have not heard any response from the Republican candidates attacking the Democrats. This to me speaks volumes about the character of the Republican candidates! I am fearful that with this current hateful political climate here in Richmond, that we will again have a completely dysfunctional, unproductive Town Council, especially if a bipartisan council is elected. Stop the personal attacks and focus on the issues! Diane M.

Anderson Richmond.