My pleasure and glad I could help. It was nice to get back to the basics and whip together a clean, professional site. With the great copy and ideas from Karylinn, it made is a snap and a pleasure.

Keep me posted on how things develop and I’ll let you know when I’m in town. We’ll have to hit Pioneer Square (echo spot) at 2am again.

Best,

Mike

Voters are sick of dirty politics

What if an election were held, and nobody voted? Is that what it’s going to come down to before candidates finally “get” that we are sick to death of smear campaigns? That we don’t care if someone’s family member did something umpteen years ago? That it doesn’t matter if someone changed their mind? Oh, the horror in that! It might mean they actually thought about something. It’s downright pathetic to see otherwise rational human beings become petty, mean and spiteful individuals. Is that their true self? They should know it’s the image we’ll remember most.

When will it finally be understood that what we need are leaders who want to do the best they can do for as many people as possible, and not just a few special interest groups? When will candidates spend more time talking about what they will do, instead of what their opponent won’t? How many millions of dollars were spent on, “He said this, and she said that” ads? Listen up, future candidates. This may come as a huge surprise, but most of us do not care! Seriously, we have not become so stupid that we can’t listen, ask questions and then decide for ourselves.

When I marked my ballot last week, if I’d had to choose between Minnis and Brading, I would have left it blank. For all the weeks of bashing and attempts to “one up” each another, it was amazing to see them finally hit equal status – juvenile schoolyard bully.

The only spot I marked with no hesitation was that of Shane Bemis for mayor of Gresham. His silence about his opponent throughout the campaign spoke volumes about his character. He never once questioned or insulted the intelligence of the people he wants to lead. By not wasting his or the voter’s time with personal attacks, we actually got to learn about his vision and ideas for the future of Gresham.

When I began writing this, it was not intended to be an endorsement, but it is what it is. Leading by example is powerful. Which example do you prefer?

Debbie Wingate

Gresham