In his article entitled Avoiding a noise-canceling election season found in the May 19th edition of the Sun Post, columnist Keith Anderson relates that he is tempted to reach for his noise canceling headphones to block out the negative messaging that often comes along with election season. I can definitely relate to that sentiment. In past election cycles, I’ve been frustrated, annoyed, and stressed by the sheer volume of information that gets thrown at us most of which is intended to produce fear or tear down a political opponent. And usually, this messaging is only on a couple hot-button topics. This makes it more challenging to find out where a candidate stands on the issues that are important to me.
Keith concludes his article by saying:
Whether you are running for school board or seeking a state legislative seat, most Minnesotans want to know more about you the candidate and less about what you think about your opponent. Only one of you will be elected in each race, and when that happens, it won’t do you or Minnesota any good if you keep reminding us about everyone else’s flaws.
We invite all candidates to take the oath of running a clean, meaningful campaign, avoiding the popular trap of fear production and character assassination. It will help all of us make better decisions on Election Day.
Anderson, Keith. “Avoiding a noise-canceling election season” Sun Post, 19 May 2022, pp. 5-6.
This oath is in accordance with my values, one of which is commonly known as the Golden Rule and explained this way by Jesus Christ in Matthew 7:12: “So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets” (ESV). I’m committed to taking this oath. Will my fellow mayoral and city council candidates do the same?