Voters urged to attend Candidates Forum Oct. 10
By
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To the editor:
I’ve had some people ask me why I’m not out kissing babies. My first thought was “gross.” I have kids of my own and I wouldn’t want some stranger kissing on them.
The real answer is two-part.
First, I’m not a politician. I wasn’t out “kissing babies” when I ran for mayor in the Republican primary and I wouldn’t do it now. I ran because I thought I could make a difference for Hillsboro.
The second part is, I lost in the May primary and I’m not a current candidate. As a regular voter, I’m tired of the constant political positioning. Other than the local issues and the three state issues on the November ballot, I really could care less about what else is going on for other candidates.
In general, national campaigns seem to run on and on, with both sides bashing each other and not accomplishing much. I’m tired of it. And so, since I’m not running for council or any other position right now, I don’t feel the need to try and steal the spotlight from anyone else.
Speaking of council, I’ve been urged by many to run. I’ve also been nudged to apply for the safety and service director position. While I’m flattered that others have such an opinion of me, I find myself not all that excited. I’m not certain that I have the qualifications needed and with the shape that the city is currently in, it is going to be one rough road ahead. The difference would be that I would pour my heart into the job to make every penny go as far as possible for the city and its citizens. (Hint to future mayor...if you find someone who is really eager for the job, run away quickly!)
So, I’ve said much about what I am not doing, you’re probably wondering what I am saying here. It starts with, “I hate early voting.” There I said it. Never in my life have I had to wait more than 10 minutes to vote. There really hasn’t been enough information reported to make informed decisions.
Hillsboro mayoral candidates have yet to have a debate. But it is because of this early voting that I am writing this letter. I don’t like to endorse any particular candidate because I have always felt that each voter should think for themselves. That being said, I thought that I would share the information that I have.
Those who really know me, know that my principles, morals and ethics are just the same as they always have been. But I recently had someone say that I lost my principles because I wasn’t wholeheartedly supporting the (Republican) party candidate.
Well, I didn’t run for mayor to make friends, nor did I join match.com or the friend’s network. I ran to try and make Hillsboro a place to be proud of and I believe that John Levo has that same vision.
I know that John has long been a Democrat and I am a Republican, but we both agree that local politics don’t follow party lines. We have to do what is best for the city and it’s citizens.
That’s another thing that makes John the right choice come November. He’s able to listen to other opinions, discuss them in a calm and considering manner and then come to a sensible conclusion.
Even if I never become SSD, a council member or any other position that interacts closely with the mayor, I know that John and I could discuss any issue and have an intelligent conversation which would produce results. I also know that John’s moral and ethical compass points true.
If you haven’t made up your mind yet, I urge you to come to the AAUW Candidates Forum on Monday, Oct. 10, starting at 6 p.m. This longstanding tradition allows for us to get an understanding of the candidates and the issues at hand.
I really do want every eligible voter to stand for their own beliefs, but if you must vote early and are not sure, then vote for John Levo as mayor of Hillsboro.
Sincerely,
Terry Mikkelsen
Former Mayoral Candidate
Hillsboro[[In-content Ad]]
I’ve had some people ask me why I’m not out kissing babies. My first thought was “gross.” I have kids of my own and I wouldn’t want some stranger kissing on them.
The real answer is two-part.
First, I’m not a politician. I wasn’t out “kissing babies” when I ran for mayor in the Republican primary and I wouldn’t do it now. I ran because I thought I could make a difference for Hillsboro.
The second part is, I lost in the May primary and I’m not a current candidate. As a regular voter, I’m tired of the constant political positioning. Other than the local issues and the three state issues on the November ballot, I really could care less about what else is going on for other candidates.
In general, national campaigns seem to run on and on, with both sides bashing each other and not accomplishing much. I’m tired of it. And so, since I’m not running for council or any other position right now, I don’t feel the need to try and steal the spotlight from anyone else.
Speaking of council, I’ve been urged by many to run. I’ve also been nudged to apply for the safety and service director position. While I’m flattered that others have such an opinion of me, I find myself not all that excited. I’m not certain that I have the qualifications needed and with the shape that the city is currently in, it is going to be one rough road ahead. The difference would be that I would pour my heart into the job to make every penny go as far as possible for the city and its citizens. (Hint to future mayor...if you find someone who is really eager for the job, run away quickly!)
So, I’ve said much about what I am not doing, you’re probably wondering what I am saying here. It starts with, “I hate early voting.” There I said it. Never in my life have I had to wait more than 10 minutes to vote. There really hasn’t been enough information reported to make informed decisions.
Hillsboro mayoral candidates have yet to have a debate. But it is because of this early voting that I am writing this letter. I don’t like to endorse any particular candidate because I have always felt that each voter should think for themselves. That being said, I thought that I would share the information that I have.
Those who really know me, know that my principles, morals and ethics are just the same as they always have been. But I recently had someone say that I lost my principles because I wasn’t wholeheartedly supporting the (Republican) party candidate.
Well, I didn’t run for mayor to make friends, nor did I join match.com or the friend’s network. I ran to try and make Hillsboro a place to be proud of and I believe that John Levo has that same vision.
I know that John has long been a Democrat and I am a Republican, but we both agree that local politics don’t follow party lines. We have to do what is best for the city and it’s citizens.
That’s another thing that makes John the right choice come November. He’s able to listen to other opinions, discuss them in a calm and considering manner and then come to a sensible conclusion.
Even if I never become SSD, a council member or any other position that interacts closely with the mayor, I know that John and I could discuss any issue and have an intelligent conversation which would produce results. I also know that John’s moral and ethical compass points true.
If you haven’t made up your mind yet, I urge you to come to the AAUW Candidates Forum on Monday, Oct. 10, starting at 6 p.m. This longstanding tradition allows for us to get an understanding of the candidates and the issues at hand.
I really do want every eligible voter to stand for their own beliefs, but if you must vote early and are not sure, then vote for John Levo as mayor of Hillsboro.
Sincerely,
Terry Mikkelsen
Former Mayoral Candidate
Hillsboro[[In-content Ad]]