When I read the signs that say “Elect No One”, I just shake my head. When I read the disrespectful comments of columnists, I am disappointed. When I hear the angry or uneducated rantings of candidates at forums, I am truly afraid for the future of our county, state and nation.

First of all, if you choose to not vote and “elect no one”, you are removing yourself from the democratic process, silencing your voice and letting others make decisions for you. Besides, if you don’t vote, have you not relinquished your right to complain later down the road?

When “opinion” columnists don’t show respect for our elected officials they cheapen our democratic process and convey to readers that they are not willing to support constructive debate. Like them or not, everyone in office deserves respect for their willingness to step up and serve.

When some candidates do nothing more than offer complaints and no solutions, how do they think they are instilling trust in themselves to lead.

Now is NOT the time to have people in office without experience, without the ability to consider issues from all sides, or without solutions that will move us forward. That is why I’m voting to re-elect Senator Patty Murray, Congressman Jay Inslee, Representative Sherry Appleton, Representative Christine Rolfes, Commissioner Josh Brown, Prosecutor Russ Hauge and Coroner Greg Sandstrom. They have the experience we need!

Please don’t vote for someone who is more about saying no and does not offer solutions for the future. We can’t afford the consequences.

Rob Gelder

Brownsville