Letter: 'I'm Disgusted By Negative Campaigning'

To the Editor:

Are you as disgusted as I by negative campaigning? 

Almost everyone I speak with is! Voters want to hear solutions from candidates, not negative comments about opponents.  

I have never registered with a party and am proud that in my long voting history, I have voted for candidates not parties. I do my homework and choose candidates who represent my beliefs.   

In this campaign season, I have been appalled by the negativity demonstrated in the state races. 

I have received 3-4 mailers sharing Representative Kirk Stensrud’s (48A incumbent) accomplishments; the reverse side of one of those included negative information about opponent, Yvonne Selcer. In addition, I have received 4 mailers specifically negatively representing opponent Selcer … All paid for by the “Republican Party of Minnesota.” 

I have no allegiance to ANY party; my allegiance is to candidates. My interest is in candidates’ solutions, not opinions of opponents. The negative approach shines a light on creating problems not solutions. I want to elect candidates who are skilled listeners, interested in collaborating with colleagues no matter what party s/he represents. This is what will generate solutions for the many tough issues we face. 

I urge you to become informed and choose candidates that demonstrate ability to listen, communicate and collaborate. The late Mattie Stephanek, one of my heroes who died at the young age of 13, said it best, “Unity is strength... when there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved.” 

I urge our elected officials to take heed! 

Irene M. Kelly, Minnetonka