Kate Lowman, Sarasota

Several writers have suggested party involvement in City Commission elections is no big deal: they are mistaken. Voters are always searching for a combination of good character and—from the voter’s point of view—good policies. At the state and national level, party affiliation is an important clue to policy and philosophy. Even there, it is no iron-clad guarantee of how an elected politician will vote, and of course it tells you very little about character, but it is a useful tool for higher level elections.  

At the local level, party affiliation tells you almost nothing about a candidate. The issues are completely different. Are the candidates competent, honest, intelligent and dedicated to service? Will they listen to their constituents? Will they attend all the meetings that they really should attend, and will they do the massive amounts of homework needed to do the job well? Party won’t help you here. Will they pay attention to process or are they willing to take shortcuts? Do they care about quality of life issues or are they simply going to be boosters, mouthing platitudes but not really working in the interest of the community?  

Party affiliation can’t answer any of these questions. I have worked on many City campaigns over the past 10 years, supporting both Democrats and Republicans. In this race, I support Eileen Normile and Stan Zimmerman. Both are Republicans: I am a Democrat. I support them because I have observed them over the years, working on City issues and attending important City meetings. I know their character, and I know they care deeply about this City. I don’t agree with them on every issue (nor do I with any other politician), but I am confidant of their overall attitudes and of my vote. I do not support their opponents because until this election, I have not seen them in action. They have no history on the important issues I care about. They have appeared with this election cycle like the rain lilies in my garden which pop out when it rains and then are gone. I’m looking for people with stamina and commitment over time.

Party involvement confuses the issue at the local level, encouraging people to vote on some imaginary affiliation with a candidate, an affiliation without meaning at this level of election.  And that is most unfortunate.

Kate Lowman, Sarasota