Elect candidates prepared to perform at the national level
We expect a lot from the people we elect to office- usually more than they are able to deliver. Often, the reason has to do with budget limits but more so it’s because we choose people for the wrong reasons.
In the upcoming election for mayor there are a host of capable and even lovable candidates to choose from but this time around circumstances will require that we elect candidates best prepared to perform at the national level.
Our culture, influenced largely by who we are, is infinitely important in determining how we advance into the future; but at this point in time we need to be acutely aware of what is going on at the national, and even international level.
Anyone trying to figure out what is going on in politics in America, and I don’t think anyone isn’t, has probably concluded at this point that Donald Trump will destroy himself along with the Republican party, leaving the Democrats in charge. If and when this happens, the National Recovery Act will be reinstated and billions of dollars will again be available through stimulus funding (Ane Keohokalole Highway) and we will want a mayor and an administration able and prepared to compete against the other 3,300 U.S. counties for these funds. We will need this kind of experience, vision, and know how to represent us at the national level to secure this funding, which then translates to employment opportunities, housing, environmental issues, health care and education, all of which simply not available through existing county or state funds or increased taxes.
The Democrats at the national level are beginning to recognize that curtailed investment in a prosperous future does not allow for economic development and without persistent Republican resistance, will implement stimulus programs geared to enhance growth.
Therefore, it is vital that we choose local level candidates that have the background experience to embrace this opportunity and while Pete Hoffmann is not nearly as warm and fuzzy as some of his fellow candidates, he is a retired Army colonel with an impressive national focus, and extensive background with the County Council, and except for that “Trumpy Hat” he keeps wearing, is the candidate by far the most able to go to Washington, D.C., and bring home the funds we need to keep our island alive.
Kelly Greenwell
Kailua-Kona
Gabbard does plenty
As an active and passionate Democrat, I find Shay Chan Hodges’ unsubstantiated claims troubling. She claims Tulsi has billionaire ties, yet the only evidence is Gabbard’s record: refusal to accept campaign donations from Monsanto, supports overturning Citizens United to remove billionaire financing from politics, and opposes the disastrous TPP trade agreement that will further erode our economy and thus our middle-class, working families.
Additionally, the people of Hawaii overwhelmingly voted for Sanders in our PPP, yet Tulsi was our only elected official acting as a super delegate who voted with her constituency. Since taking office, Tulsi has arranged over 75 meetings across all the islands and was here in my community walking the ground with FEMA after Iselle hit in 2014. Her professionalism, humility, integrity, and embodiment of the aloha spirit are why I am honored to have her as my representative.
Lily Renfro-Robeau
Hilo