Letter: No clear winner

I, along with about a hundred other Lincoln County citizens, attended the League of Women Voters Candidates Forum at the Newport campus of OCCC last night (April 18). And, while none of the candidates rose to the top, I have some takeaways from the event.

Clearly each of the candidates, two running for district attorney, two for the senatorial seat for District 5 and five for Lincoln County Commission, have strengths and are concerned deeply about the present, future and wellbeing of Lincoln County. It will be a tough choice. I applaud the League for its consistent engagement and dedication to the democratic process.

Twenty years ago I dipped my toes into politics as a wanna-be candidate for county commissioner. There may be one or two of you who will recall my slogan: “Cris for Commish.” A bit lame, I know, but a candidate must find some way to rise to the top; to set him or herself above the others; to establish a political persona and propel said candidate’s campaign and highlight their strengths, concerns, and abilities.

It’s not enough, though, to focus on hot button topics; it’s certainly not enough to be glib about difficult issues facing us, the citizens of this county, this country, this world. Neither is it appropriate to rail against one’s opponents, however wrong, dysfunctional, or complacent they may appear. However well-prepared candidates think themselves to be, the rubber will hit the road after walking a mile in new shoes. In the campaign I was in, I publicly downplayed one opponent’s volunteer activities as being inferior to my own. The shame is on me.

Neither of us made it through the primary; I received two votes.

I encourage each of you to engage the election process — be informed, attend a candidate forum, read the voters pamphlet, talk to the candidates and listen to what each says, think about your decision. It will have an impact.

Vote.

Cris Torp

South Beach